With his renowned court skills and trademark decisiveness, Australia No.1 Alex de Minaur begins his AO 2025 campaign with a win.
Melbourne, Australia, January 14, 2025 | Vivien Christie
In a high-stakes competitive environment, there are two things you can always expect from Alex de Minaur: His trademark speed will be a key factor, as will his famous fights.
Seeded eighth at her home Grand Slam, the Australian called on all of these qualities as she managed the threat of Botic van de Zandschulp to advance to the second round of AO 2025.
“As I said before, as soon as I step on this court, I know that each and every one of you will have my back, so I will do my best from the first moment to the last moment.” Minaur spoke to a loving Rod Laver Arena audience after saving two points in the second set of a 6-1 7-5 6-4 win.
It’s a difficult first round task, but there are challenges to overcome.@alexdeminaur Better beat Botic van de Zandschulp. 6-1 7-5 6-4@wwos • @espn • @Eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/UFyvu9CAS1
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025
First, De Minaur lived up to his “Speed Demon” nickname as he stormed out to a 5–0 advantage against 84.Day The highly ranked Dutchman secured the first set in 26 minutes.
The 25-year-old came out on top to keep the momentum going, breaking serve early to build a 6-1 3-1 lead.
However, Van De Zandschulp is no stranger to embarrassment, having famously shocked world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of last year’s US Open.
Van De Zandschulp leveled up in the sixth game and came under increasing pressure as his shot-making began to suffer. Serving at 4-5, a pair of untimely errors left De Minaur struggling to defend the set point.
> Related: De Minaur says Woodbridge “drives culture.”
But with his idol and mentor Lleyton Hewitt watching from his on-court coaching pod, De Minaur inevitably put up a fight. After managing a set point, he came from behind and secured the second set with an ace.
Van De Zandschulp, who has produced some outstanding winners, including an unimaginable tweener that earned De Minaur applause, was always up for the challenge. Nonetheless, the Australian came out a little stronger, utilizing his famous courting skills.
You can’t take it seriously 🤯
Botic van de Zandschulp takes an outrageous tweener win at RLA! 🪄@wwos • @espn • @Eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/lX0kL8lJzR
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025
Seizing his first break point opportunity, he deftly advanced with his 13th and final ace. He was one of 26 winners who were on the court for 2 hours and 22 minutes.
De Minaur can look forward to his second round meeting with American qualifier Tristan Boyer with confidence due to the arduous preparation he has invested into his eighth tournament at the Australian Open, his best performance in the final 16 in each of the last three years.
“Honestly, what gives me stability is knowing the amount of work I put in behind the scenes and knowing that I did my best to prepare,” he said.
After De Minaur had the best year of his career, which saw him reach the quarter-finals of every other Grand Slam, it is equally reassuring to know that the hip injury that derailed the second half of his season is firmly in the past.
“I think I’m in good shape. “It’s been a long time since I felt this good, and more than anything, I feel relieved,” he added with a smile. “I’m glad I can move. I’m glad I can slide down the court and burn my shoes. That’s a good sign.”
Day 3 of AO 2025 was an even tougher day for other Australians.
In a packed John Kane Arena, Frenchman Corentin Moute upset an ailing Alexei Popyrin 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
The Frenchman played excellent tennis, showcasing his familiar skills and increasing the pressure throughout the match.
Despite the local crowd’s willingness to embrace their local hopes – familiar “Poppy” chants wafted through the crowd – it wasn’t enough to lift Popyrin, despite the Australians fighting hard.
Popyrin, who received treatment midway through the second set, said she felt sharp pain in her lower back and gluteal region while chasing a drop shot.
“Pushing off my left leg, landing on my left leg and hitting a running forehand was really painful. I just had to dig deep and push through the pain,” said a dejected Popyrin.
Despite the injury, Popyrin continued to fight and later praised the crowd for their unwavering support.
“We were down 5-1 in the third set, but we came back to 5-4. That was it all. That wasn’t me. That was it. “You could see the energy didn’t stop throughout the four sets,” he said.
“It’s an experience and a memory I will take with me. But I’ll throw the rest in the trash and forget about it. Because it wasn’t very good.
“I am known for showing a lot of heart, but I also want to be known for playing tennis consistently. That has been the main goal my entire career.
“I showed vaguely good tennis, but I want to show it consistently.”
In other Australian results, Rinky Hijikata lost to Amercian qualifier Mitchell Krueger, who won 6-4 6-4 6-3 on Court 3.
Olivia Gadecki’s outing at Rod Laver Arena lasted less than an hour with 75 people in attendance.Day-Veronika Kudermetova won her first round match 6-1 6-1.
Earlier Tuesday, teenage wildcard Emerson Jones fell to sixth seed Elena Rybakina, while Kim Birrell fell to lucky loser Eva Lys, a last-minute replacement for eliminated 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya.
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