Even with the hype surrounding Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur was firmly in the conversation as the local star most likely to push into the second week of the 2023 Australian Open.
De Minaur, who started his campaign on a stormy night in Melbourne with a convincing 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Yu Hsiou Hsu, has enjoyed an ideal preparation through January.
Alex de Minaur has powered through to the second round.Credit:Eddie Jim
He defeated Rafael Nadal during the United Cup and tapered for this tournament with outings against grand slam winners Dominic Thiem and Andy Murray at Kooyong last week.
The victory over the reigning Australian Open champion Nadal, in particular, has boosted his confidence that he is getting closer to being a legitimate contender at grand slam level.
“It [gives me] a lot of confidence. I knew I had that level [in me] for a while but to get those wins, it’s a different level,” he said.
“Now I know I can do it every week. That is the plan now. I have to get to play those matches and back myself.”
But the publicity surrounding Kyrgios, from his United Cup withdrawal to his Netflix role to his subsequent injury withdrawal, cast a broad shadow over the tournament and his peers.
In one regard, de Minaur stepped into his compatriot’s shoes on Tuesday night with his sparkling form on John Cain Arena, the court Kyrgios was initially scheduled to play on.
But de Minaur is his own man. He is the spearhead of Australian tennis when it comes to national team events, having led the country to the Davis Cup final in Spain last November.
The Melbourne crowd lapped up the performance.Credit:Eddie Jim
There is conjecture as to whether Lleyton Hewitt and Kyrgios are speaking. But there is no dispute about the support the Davis Cup captain is providing de Minaur, with Hewitt courtside for his win over Hsu alongside Australian great Tony Roche.
The 22nd seed reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park last year before being eclipsed by Italian Jannik Sinner. But he feels stronger and more confident in his game in 2023.
“We are going to do everything I can and I am feeling better than last year, so hopefully I can play at a better level and go a little further,” he said.
De Minaur, who has the phrases “Don’t Worry” and “Be Happy” written on his racquet bag in bold black letters to remind him to maintain a positive attitude, started swiftly against the Taiwanese qualifier.
He secured two service breaks before a storm forced a break in play at 5-1, with ballkids taking to the court using towels to dry the surface. But the delay did not derail de Minaur.
The six-time ATP Tour title winner was able to wrap up the opening set swiftly and, as the storm continued to cause havoc on outside courts, he swiftly asserted his dominance in the second.
His superiority was not necessarily a surprise given a gulf of nearly 200 spots in their rankings, but his Taiwanese rival was match-hardened after winning through qualifying.
The third set was a tighter battle, but when de Minaur drove a backhand passing shot to the feet of Hsu, victory in a match lasting just over two hours was his.
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