2 months, 4 weeks ago

Alex de Minaur already reaping the rewards from intense off-season program after perfect start to Australian Open

Twelve months after being bagelled in the final set of his Australian Open campaign, you could have forgiven Alex de Minaur for having some jitters. However, up against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp on Rod Laver Arena to kick off this year's campaign, de Minaur looked every bit the player who is ready to do some serious winning. De Minaur was a proverbial wall against van de Zandschulp, returning ball after ball after ball, eventually forcing the weary Dutchman to make unforced errors following some lengthy rallies. De Minaur has always been a solid player, but against van de Zandschulp, he commanded the court in a way we've perhaps never seen. If De Minaur is feeling any pressure from the weight of expectation of being Australia's best title hope this year at Melbourne Park, he isn't showing it.

ABC

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