Pressure has been stalking Alex de Minaur. Fuelled by the locals’ 49-year men’s singles drought at the Australian Open. Amplified by the No 8 next to his name in brackets. Anchored by the elimination of every one of his countrymen.
Finally the pressure pounced during an uncomfortable four-set victory over the 31st-seed Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday. “This was probably the first match that I’ve played here in Australia where I didn’t feel comfortable,” the 25-year-old said. “I didn’t know what to do and I just told myself I had to go out there and compete.”
