Novak Djokovic's prediction that Alex de Minaur was primed for "great things" at the Australian Open has been vindicated after the local hope came through a tense third round clash on Saturday. De Minaur's hopes of going on a deep run at Melbourne Park are still alive after the 25-year-old came from behind to defeat Argentina's World No.

When the French world No. 41 stunned Taylor Fritz, he told the Margaret Court Arena spectators that he “warmed up the court” for his wife. Svitolina then stormed back to upset Jasmine Paolini and said: “I would want to say that I got inspired after my husband’s win.”

Alex de Minaur, the world No. 8, and Nick Kyrgios, who is back after a two-year battle with knee and wrist injuries, are the headliners for their country at Melbourne Park. Kyrgios emceed the night session on John Cain Arena Monday, before De Minaur headlines Rod Laver Arena, the pantheon of Australian tennis Tuesday night.

Taylor Fritz, the highest-seeded American man at the Australian Open, needed just 82 minutes to defeat Cristian Garin on Thursday and advance to the third round.

Australia’s Alex de Minaur has also come out in defence of fellow country Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has received criticism about prioritising exhibition events before preparing for the mega-events.

Pressure is said to be a privilege, and this has never been lost on Alex de Minaur, but the world number eight has become accustomed to bearing the weight of expectation.

A remarkable reflex volley has helped Alex de Minaur avoid disaster and progress to the last 16 of the Australian Open. De Minaur battled to a 5-7, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-3 victory over 31st seed Francisco Cerundolo in a gruelling match that went a tick under four hours.

In the Round of 64 at the Australian Open on Wednesday, Tristan Boyer (ranked No. 136) faces Alex de Minaur (No. 8).In his last competition, Boyer fell to Joris de Loore 4-6, 4-6 in the qualifying

Images The best shots on and off the court at the 2025 Australian Open on Saturday, January 18. January 19, 2025 — 8.50am

On a searing day at Melbourne Park where the mercury rose above 30 degrees, it was de Minaur that handled the heat better as he marched into the last 16 for a fourth consecutive year. De Minaur loves playing at home but admitted it was the first time he didn't feel "comfortable" in front of a parochial crowd inside Rod Laver Arena,

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Alex Michelson joked that he was too busy at the Australian Open on Saturday morning to have a lengthy phone conversation with his mother back home in California. His excuse was pretty good, actually: The 20-year-old Michelsen was on court for a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over No. 19 seed Karen Khachanov.