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Australian Open: Alex De Minaur races into round two with straight-sets win

Melissa WoodsAAP
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Alex de Minaur sealed a spot in the second round by beating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
Camera IconAlex de Minaur sealed a spot in the second round by beating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Alex de Minaur has got his Australian Open campaign off to a flyer, the top-ranked local hope sending dangerous Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp packing.

Hunting a maiden major title, de Minaur lived up to his star billing, needing only 26 minutes to claim the first set on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night before disposing of his highly rated rival 6-1 7-5 6-4.

The eighth seed will start a huge favourite in the second round when he meets grand slam debutant, American qualifier Tristan Boyer.

The world No.136 out-lasted Argentine Federico Coria 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 4-6 7-5 6-1 earlier in the night.

De Minaur said he couldn’t have done anything more to prepare for his ninth Open.

“What gives me a sense of calm is knowing the amount of work I’ve put in behind the scenes, knowing that I’ve done everything in my power to be ready,” the 25-year-old said in an on court interview.

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“I know as soon as I walk on this court, I know every single one of you guys has my back so I’m going to do my best from the very first point to the last.

“The body feels great - it’s been a long time since it’s felt this good and I’m just, more than anything, relieved.

“I’m happy to move. I’m happy to slide around the court, burn my shoes - it’s a good sign.”

De Minaur didn’t have it all his own way with van de Zandschulp blowing two set points in the second set, but the crowd favourite showed his customary grit to stay on task.

He then broke his opponent and wrapped up the set with an ace.

While now ranked a lowly 82nd in the world, van de Zandschulp ousted four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz from last year’s US Open and has been as high as No.22 before being hindered by injuries.

The pair went toe to toe in the third set with van de Zandschulp showing off his athleticism and racquet skills to stay in the fight against the “speed demon” who appeared free of the hip injury that interrupted 2024.

At 1-1 and 40-40 the big Dutchman had the crowd on their feet and earned the applause of the Sydneysider with an incredulous tweener that proved a cross-court winner.

Gunning to become the first men’s local champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976, de Minaur got the break of serve to go ahead 5-4 to put victory in sight.

He sealed the win in style, nailing his 13th ace of the match.

Should the 25-year-old make the Open quarter-finals for the first time, after falling in round four on his past three visits, he is likely to strike world No.1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner.

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