Alex de Minaur’s Australian Open dream is still alive!
De Minaur dropped the first set against Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic in a tiebreaker, 6-7 [5-7], but fought back brilliantly.
In four sets, De Minaur defeated Medjedovic 6-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, to book his place in the third round, where he will meet Frances Tiafoe or Francisco Comesana.
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Delighted with the win, De Minaur spoke to former Australian Open champion Jim Courier after the match.
Alex de Minaur says he is ‘ready for the challenge’ as he progresses at the Australian Open
De Minaur shared his thoughts on the match, where he had to suffer at times against the Serbian number three.
“Just stayed patient, I weathered the storm,” he said.
“He was playing some unbelievable tennis, serving great, hitting the ball from the baseline really big and deep, and not really allowing me to do much.
“Ultimately, hey, a five-set match is a long match, so there are going to be lots of chances and I took them, and I’m super happy to battle my way through.”
Courier then asked De Minaur how his current level compares to what he showed during his run to the quarterfinals 12 months ago.
Alex de Minaur at the 2025 Australian Open
- 2025 Australian Open 1R [WIN] vs Botic van de Zandschulp, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4
- 2025 Australian Open 2R [WIN] vs Tristan Boyer, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3
- 2025 Australian Open 3R [WIN] vs Francisco Cerundolo, 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3
- 2025 Australian Open 4R [WIN] vs Alex Michelsen, 6-0, 7-6, 6-3
- 2025 Australian Open QF [LOSS] vs Jannik Sinner, 3-6, 2-6, 1-6
“I’m super happy with where my level is at. The competition is only going to get tougher. I’m ready for it, I’m up for the challenge,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it, as always, I’m going to go out there, compete, and give it my all.”
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De Minaur seemed charged up during the interview, as he continues to impress down under.
The fans on Rod Laver Arena know that he’s their best hope this year, and so does De Minaur.
If De Minaur can use the crowd to his benefit, then there’s a real chance for him to make another deep run.
But who will he play?
Alex de Minaur’s path to the Australian Open title
| Round | Highest-ranked potential opponent | Potential seeded opponents |
| 3R | Frances Tiafoe (31) | Frances Tiafoe [29] |
| 4R | Alexander Bublik (10) | Alexander Bublik [10] |
| QF | Carlos Alcaraz (1) | Carlos Alcaraz [1], Alejandro Davidovich Fokina [14], Tommy Paul [19], Corentin Moutet [32] |
| SF | Alexander Zverev (3) | Alexander Zverev [3], Daniil Medvedev [11], Andrey Rublev [13], Francisco Cerundolo [18], Learner Tien [25], Cameron Norrie [26], |
| F | Jannik Sinner (2) | Jannik Sinner [2], Novak Djokovic [4], Lorenzo Musetti [5], Ben Shelton [8], Taylor Fritz [9], Casper Ruud [12], Karen Khachanov [15], Jakub Mensik [16], Denis Shapovalov [21], Luciano Darderi [22], Valentin Vacherot [30], Stefanos Tsitsipas [31] |
Assuming he gets past either Tiafoe or Comesana in the third round, De Minaur would likely meet Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in the last-16.
Given how well Bublik has played over the last year or so, that won’t be an easy day out…
Should he advance to the quarterfinals for the second year running, he could take on the number-one seed, Carlos Alcaraz.
Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner may then await him in the semifinals and final.
It’s going to take an unbelievable effort for De Minaur to lift the trophy on February 1, but with the Aussie crowd backing him, you just never know.
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Alex de Minaur’s performance
Commentating for TNT Sports, British tennis legend Tim Henman had this to say about De Minaur’s second-round win.
“[Alex] De Minaur will be absolutely delighted with that workout,” he said.
“It was not straightforward for the first hour and a quarter; he was down a set, 2-2, and faced break points.
“After that, he only lost three more games.”
De Minaur stepped into another gear at 6-7, 2-2, and began to dominate his opponent.
Alex de Minaur vs Hamad Medjedovic – Match stats
| Player | Aces | Double faults | 1st Serve % | Win % on 1st Serve | Win % on 2nd Serve | Break points |
| Alex de Minaur | 12 | 4 | 69% | 76% | 70% | 7/21 |
| Hamad Medjedovic | 19 | 11 | 64% | 66% | 47% | 1/3 |
Whether he can carry that form through to the third round remains to be seen.
De Minaur will play his third-round match on Friday, January 23.
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