Alex de Minaur has survived a hail of winners from powerhouse Jan-Lennard Struff with the passionate backing of a young fan to become the first Australian man for 17 years to reach the French Open singles last 16. The world No 11 emerged the stronger after a four-and-a-half hour rain stoppage to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday, clinching a breakthrough fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros.
De Minaur hailed his backs-to-the-wall triumph against an inspired big-hitting opponent and in the face of another mentally draining rain delay as one of the best of his career. The Australian also saved special mention for a young fan who helped will him over the line in the four-set battle with Struff.
