Sign Up
..... Connect Australia with the world.
Categories

Posted: 2024-01-17 06:39:21

Despite labelling himself as his own harshest critic, Alex de Minaur is content he has not needed to play "perfect tennis" so far at the Australian Open.

The world number 10 cruised through to the third round for the fifth time in his career on Wednesday, courtesy of a 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 triumph over young Italian Matteo Arnaldi under the roof on Rod Laver Arena.

It was a clinical display, blighted only by the fact he dropped his serve in the third set before recovering to wrap up the win.

De Minaur has already defeated world number one Novak Djokovic during an unbeaten start to the year, which has seen him crack the top 10 for the first time in his career.

It has boosted his confidence to such an extent that he realises he can find more than one way to win a match.

"I think nothing can give you more belief than winning matches, and especially good matches, and I think that's what I've gotten this year," de Minaur told his media conference at Melbourne Park.

"Saying that, I feel in a good position where maybe I know if I don't bring my A-game, I've still got plenty to show.

"I've won enough matches this year to kind of know how to win certain types of matches.

"I've come to terms with not having to play perfect tennis out there but just do enough to get the job done.

"I'm playing probably my best tennis. I'm feeling great mentally and physically."

Alex de Minaur stares at the ball as he prepares to play a forehand at the 2024 Australian Open.

De Minaur took down young Italian Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets.(Getty Images: Daniel Pockett)

De Minaur is reassured in the knowledge he still has a lot up his sleeve ahead of the second week of the Australian Open.

"I'm always going to be my harshest critic, right? That's never going to change," de Minaur said.

"It doesn't matter where I am in the world or what I'm doing. I do think I've got more to give, and I really, really would like to show what I'm capable of.

"I think so far I have done what I needed to do to win the matches. It hasn't been probably the prettiest of levels or my best level.

View More
  • 0 Comment(s)
Captcha Challenge
Reload Image
Type in the verification code above