Big-serving Serbian takes Australian hope to four sets
‘I’m super happy to battle my way through’
Alex de Minaur maintained his perfect record at the Australian Open against lower-ranked opponents by outlasting the big-hitting Hamad Medjedovic over four sets and advancing to the third round.
After being stunned by the world No 90 in the first set, the Australian’s superior fitness and class came to the fore as he prevailed 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in three hours and four minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
The 26-year-old moves through to the third round at Melbourne Park for the sixth consecutive year and De Minaur will next meet Frances Tiafoe after the American 29th seed beat Argentina’s Francisco Comesana 6-4,6-3, 4-6. 6-2. The world No 6 boasts a perfect 18-from-18 record against lower-ranked rivals in Melbourne, but didn’t have it all his own way against the powerful Medjedovic.
