Alex de Minaur will now be looking to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
As the sole remaining Aussie left in the competition, the nation’s hopes rest on the shoulders of De Minaur.
The ATP world number eight has been mighty impressive at this year’s tournament, dropping just one set on his way to the last 16.
Having made his way past Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round, Alex de Minaur beat Tristan Boyer in the second, to set up a contest with Francisco Cerundolo.
The 25-year-old dropped the first set against the Argentine, before battling back to win in four, securing his place in the next round of the Australian Open.
Ahead of his third-round match, Novak Djokovic had praised De Minaur for his recent progress and predicted that we would see ‘great things’ from him during the rest of the tournament.
Following his big win over Cerundolo, De Minaur reacted to Djokovic’s comments.
Alex de Minaur says it’s ‘very nice’ to hear praise from ‘virtually perfect’ Novak Djokovic
In his post-match press conference, De Minaur said he was very happy to hear Djokovic’s recent praise.
“Well, look, ultimately when you hear any compliments coming from someone like Novak [Djokovic], who’s virtually perfect in every aspect of his game, it’s obviously very nice to hear,” he said.
“Always will appreciate it because you put in the work with your team behind closed scenes.
“But it’s always good that other players in the locker room are noticing, right?
“It means you’re doing something right, that’s a great feeling.”
The Aussie went on to say what he thinks is different this time, compared to previous years.
“Getting through matches like today, maybe I think in the past, not playing well, not feeling amazing, I maybe would have found a way to lose that match, right?” said De Minaur.
“Like that first set where I was in control and then all of a sudden it just kind of slipped out of my hands.
“I think this version of myself is exactly that: even if I don’t have my best day, I’m going to compete till the end, and I’m still going to be a very tough out for anyone who’s in front of me.”
De Minaur dropped the first set, before coming through to win 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Having secured his place in the Australian Open last 16 for the fourth year in a row, De Minaur is looking ahead, with his eyes firmly set on a maiden quarter-final berth.
“We move on,” he said.
“Hopefully bigger and better things coming on for the next round.”
Alex de Minaur will play Alex Michelsen for a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals
Only one man stands between De Minaur and a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals, and his name is Alex Michelsen.
The American has reached the fourth round of a Major tournament for the first time in his young career, and has already collected several big scalps in the early rounds.
Michelsen beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round, condemning the Greek star to a second successive first-round Grand Slam exit.
The American then beat James Mccabe in the second round, before he took down former Australian Open semi-finalist Karen Khachanov in the third.
Michelsen and De Minaur have played twice before on the ATP Tour, with the head-to-head level at 1-1.
Ahead of their fourth-round match, De Minaur understands just how ‘dangerous’ Michelsen can be.
“He’s been playing really well, he’s a dangerous opponent with a lot of confidence now,” he said.
“He’s taken some big scalps this week, so ready for a battle.
“He’s going to go out there with no fear.
“I’m going to do my best to make it difficult for him.”
De Minaur will take on Michelsen in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday, January 20.
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