Alex de Minaur has survived an early scare to book his place in the third round of the Australian Open, recovering from a first-set stumble to defeat Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena.
Despite the win, the match underlined some of the lingering questions around the world No. 6’s ability to consistently challenge the very best.
Medjedovic, currently ranked 90 and known for his powerful ball-striking, brought exactly the type of game that has troubled de Minaur in the past, the 22-year-old crushing serves beyond 200kmh and upsetting the Australian’s rhythm with his forehand firepower. That all paid off with a first-set tiebreak win and the genuine sense that an upset was brewing.
But once De Minaur steadied, the contest began to tilt heavily in his favour. His trademark speed, court coverage and baseline defence gradually wore Medjedevic down.
As rallies lengthened throughout the match, the Serbian’s unforced error count grew, and his frustration became more obvious, his animated exchanges with the chair umpire and his coaches’ box hinting at a player who still has a lot to learn about the mental side of the game.
De Minaur, by contrast, was disciplined and resilient, absorbing his opponent’s pace and trusting his ability to grind out points. From the second set onwards, the match was in his full control.
De Minaur will next face the winner of the match between Frances Tiafoe and Francisco Comesana.
More to come.
