Alex de Minaur continued his good document towards lower-ranked opponents on the Australian Open, defeating Serbian slugger Hamad Medjedovic to achieve the third spherical.
After being surprised by the world No. 90 within the first set, De Minaur’s superior health and sophistication got here to the fore as he gained 6-7 (7-5), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in three hours and 4 minutes at Rod Laver Enviornment.
This marks the 26-year-old’s sixth consecutive third-round look at Melbourne Park.
De Minaur is more likely to face twenty ninth seed Francis Tiafoe, who was on the verge of defeating Argentina’s Francisco Comesana, within the spherical of 32.
The Australian world quantity six has an ideal document of 18 wins and 18 losses towards lower-ranked rivals in Melbourne, however he could not give it his all towards the highly effective Medjedovic.
“I weathered the storm,” De Minaur stated.
“He (Mejedovic) was enjoying unbelievable tennis, serving nice, hitting the ball from the baseline actually huge and deep, however he did not let me do a lot.
“On the finish of the day, a five-set match is a protracted match, so there can be a variety of possibilities.
“I accepted them, and I am very pleased to have the ability to combat my method out.”
When de Minaur cruised by way of the second set in 42 minutes, the organizers inexplicably didn’t shut the roof of Middle Court docket earlier than the heavy rain started.
Play was halted for half-hour as a consequence of rain, and the courts have been swept and the roof closed.
Nevertheless, even the additional break couldn’t cease de Minaur’s momentum, and Medjedovic rapidly dropped his serve.
This was Medjedovic’s first look in the primary draw of the Australian Open, having reached the third spherical at Roland Garros final yr.
The 22-year-old defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone within the first spherical to ebook a match towards de Minaur.
De Minaur’s subsequent opponent might be towards Tiafoe, who has gained three of their previous 4 conferences, however his subsequent opponents might be tenth seed Alexander Bublik (fourth spherical) and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz (quarterfinal).
