Alex de Minaur Bounces Back to Beat Hamad Medjedovic at Rod Laver Arena
“More than feeling sorry for myself, I’m starting to look at it the other way – that it’s up to me to get him out of that zone and lift my level and show what I’m made of. That’s what’s helping me wiht these types of matches.”
Dual major semi-finalist and 2019 Open quarter-finalist Frances Tiafoe, who outlasted Argentine Francisco Comesana in four sets, stands as Alex de Minaur’s next challenge.
De Minaur currently leads their head-to-head 3-1, including a close three-set victory in Toronto last year.
“Frances is super dangerous.He’s playing well, got a lot of firepower [and] he’s a veteran,” the Australian No.1 stated. “We’ve had some battles in the past. I wouldn’t expect anything other than an absolute battle against him. He seems to be locked in.”
Tiafoe, coached by Australia’s Mark Kovacs, anticipates facing de Minaur and welcomes the prospect to compete on Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s earlier than both of us would like [to play each other], but I’m happy to play against him. It’s going to be fun, against all these fans,” Tiafoe said.
“I love playing on the big courts, and now is when the event really gets going. [There are] only tough and good matches ahead, and you have to rise to the occasion. he’s going to come for me; I’m going to come for him. Tennis is going to get their money’s worth.”
De minaur overcame Medjedovic through relentless scrambling, strong defense, and mental fortitude – qualities his 22-year-old opponent, considered Serbia’s future star after Novak Djokovic, is still developing.
Medjedovic began the match aggressively, aiming to overpower serves and groundstrokes wi