Alex de Minaur showcased a dominant performance as he advanced to the second round of the Australian Open with ease. The Australian tennis star, currently seeded sixth, defeated Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets: 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. This match took place at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026.
Match Highlights
De Minaur’s victory came in just under two hours, specifically in one hour and 48 minutes. This time matches his record for the fastest first-round win at the Australian Open, achieved in 2021. He conceded only seven games, tying his personal best for the fewest lost in a first-round match.
Conditions Favoring De Minaur
Playing on Rod Laver Arena, de Minaur noted that the conditions were ideal for his style. He described the weather as perfect for tennis, allowing the ball to travel quickly through the air. This speed benefited his serve and helped him secure free points.
- Match Duration: 1 hour, 48 minutes
- Games Conceded: 7 (fewest in first-round history for de Minaur)
- Seed: 6
- Next Opponent: Hamad Medjedovic (Serbia, ranked No. 90)
Road Ahead
De Minaur expressed ambition beyond just this victory. He aims to close the gap on the top players, particularly Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Despite reaching a career-high ranking of No. 6, he emphasizes a desire for continuous improvement in his game.
“I want more every single time. The journey is important, but I am focused on pushing forward,” he stated. With a fan-favorite status and recent successes, de Minaur looks confident as he prepares for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
