Australia’s last remaining hope in singles play is eighth-seed Alex de Minaur, who will face American 20-year-old Alex Michelsen in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash.
De Minaur dominated in his first two matches against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, and American qualifier Tristan Boyer, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 winning both matches swift and assertive fashion.
His third-round assignment yesterday against 31st-seed Francisco Cerúndolo proved tougher after the Aussie conceded the first set. However, he confidently found some of his best tennis, using his physicality and consistency to tire the Argentinian.
"The opponent is obviously hurting physically... I know that I'm feeling good physically and over the long run I'm going to be feeling much better than he is," de Minaur stated in his post-match on-court interview with Jim Courier.
"The legs are back!"
In the first-round, he stunned 11th-seed Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in four gripping sets, displaying courageous tennis with big hitting off all wings. He produced a whooping 46 winners en route to an impressive win.
In the next round, he overcame Aussie James Mccabe in straight sets in another display of fiery tennis.
The American produced yet another showstopping performance against 19th-seed Karen Khachanov, once again taking a straight sets victory.
"[I] feel like that's what you have to do to beat the big guys," Michelsen said in his post-match press conference.
"You have to have a big game nowadays. The game is very quick."
This fourth-round matchup will be a classic clash of differing game styles — sure to provide high-quality tennis and entertainment.
De Minaur will look to combine his physicality and consistency with the stronger serving and stepping into the court that he has been implementing so far at the Australian Open.
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He will need to ensure that he is in control of the points, and look to wear down the American whilst ensuring he isn’t giving away too many opportunities for Michelsen to end the point.
De Minaur has shown wonderful touch and variety at the net, which he will also need to utilise to keep the American guessing and on the run.
Michelsen will plan to use his cool composure paired with his bold, brave hitting to push de Minaur around the court.
With his large stature and weaponry, his game plan will surely include looking to finish points quickly and staying aggressive throughout the match.
His arsenal also includes variety at the net, as he has raced forward to close out points in his opening three matches.
The Aussie has a large advantage having already experienced appearing in these later stages of Grand Slam tennis before, entering the fourth-round in six successive Grand Slams.
However, there will be pressure placed on the 25-year-old to make his first-ever quarter-final at Melbourne Park.
Only turning pro in 2023, Michelsen enters his first fourth-round at a Slam.
Another factor that is important to remember is just how popular de Minaur is at home.
Yesterday, in his match against Cerúndolo, the Aussie had a packed Rod Laver Arena willing him on and erupting with every incredible point he won. His interactions with the Aussie fans have also been helping de Minaur fire up and motivate himself, particularly after big points.
The Aussie will have that hometown support in the round of 16, and his fiery attitude and fight will contradict the coolness of the American in a match that is sure to impress.
The winner of this clash will face the victor of the match against the first-seed and reigning champion Jannik Sinner, and 13th-seed Dane, Holger Rune.
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