Alex de Minaur is presenting a brave face after blowing his best opportunity yet to claim a maiden grand slam crown after crashing out in the US Open second round in New York.
Australia's world No.7 slumped to a shock straight-sets loss to Botic van de Zandschulp, a Dutchman he'd beaten in all four of their previous meetings.
In a demoralising display, de Minaur dropped serve five times and only broke his 70th-ranked opponent once in a 6-4 7-5 6-2 defeat on Thursday (Friday AEST).
