Alex de Minaur will face world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz in an Australian Open quarter-final that instantly becomes the biggest match of his life.
Demon lost twice from two meetings last year with Alexander Bublik, but he demolishes the Kazakh 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 in a dominant display that sent a message to all his rivals that he is a title threat.
Alex de Minaur celebrates his win over Alexander Bublik.Credit: AP
Whatever Demon did in the off-season has supercharged his game because he is playing the best tennis of his life.
Alcaraz is chasing a Career Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, so is ultra-motivated, and has beaten de Minaur in all five of their showdowns.
But this is not like de Minaur’s record against Jannik Sinner – he has genuinely challenged Alcaraz at times.
“Look, I think the last two matches I’ve played, I’ve hit the ball extremely well,” de Minaur said.
“I’m super pleased with my level. I feel like I’m doing everything I want on the court and, yeah, I’m excited for the next one [against Carlos Alcaraz].
“That’s going to be a big one, right? So, I’m going to have to come out here guns blazing, and I’m excited for a battle against Carlitos.”