Australian Alex de Minaur is through to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career after defeating Spaniard Pablo Andujar in straight sets, 6-4 6-2 6-2.
The 22-year-old tonight dominated Andujar, conceding just one breakpoint in a near-perfect display on serve. He dropped only seven points (36/43) on first serve.
The occasion was extra special for de Minaur, with Australian tennis legend Rod Laver in attendance at the iconic Melbourne arena named after him
READ MORE: Aftermath of Kyrgios altercation caught on camera
READ MORE: Second star blasts ‘disrespectful’ Aussie crowds
“Pretty exciting to play here at Rod Laver Arena in front of the great Rod Laver himself,” de Minaur said during his on-court interview after the match.
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling and you know, I got the win. What more can I ask for?”
After a shaky opening set that included 19 unforced errors, de Minaur responded by notching just six for the remainder of the match.
Stream every match, every court of the Australian Open live and free on 9Now.
So far this tournament, de Minaur has dropped only one set.
The Aussie will face Italian Jannick Sinner in the fourth round.
During the second set, Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge lauded de Minaur for his effort in claiming a crucial point.
Andujar ran de Minaur ragged as the scores were locked at 30-all during a game in the second set.
The Australian answered everything thrown at him and executed an exceptional top-spinning lob deep in the court to claim the point, leaving his opponent clapping in recognition.
“Absolutely remarkable moving from Alex de Minaur – and it brings up set point,” doubles legend Woodbridge said on Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
“Extraordinary defence.
“Doesn’t get enough on the volley and then has the vision to create a top-spin lob winner.
“Complemented by Andujar.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!