Rising star Alex de Minaur has started his 2018 season by defeating top 50 player Steve Johnson 7-6(7), 6-4, in the first round of the Brisbane International.
The world No.208 refused to be intimidated by his higher ranked and more experienced rival through the entire match. Holding his nerve during the pivotal moments of the encounter. Johnson looked on course to clinch the 7-5 lead after moving to a 40-15 advantage. His momentum was spoiled during a rally when an untimely train horn spoilt his concentration, allowing the teenager back into the set. In total, De Minaur fended off five set points, including three in the tiebreaker, to move ahead.
A similar pattern formed in the second set, with the Australian once again fighting back from behind. Dropping his serve to trail 3-4, he responded instantly by breaking back and then moving to a game away from victory. The win was then sealed by a double-handed forehand winning return from the 18-year-old.
“I’m pretty delighted; it’s the best way to finish off the year,” he said following the win.
“I played a great match and beat a high-quality opponent, I’m stoked.
“I showed how I can play today, so now it’s all about maintaining that level.”
The highest-ranked win of his young career, but @alexdeminaur already has his sights on the next round… #BrisbaneTENnis pic.twitter.com/NNGEDZ7k4A
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 31, 2017
Johnson is the second top 50 player that De Minaur has defeated on the ATP Tour so far in his career. Almost exactly a year ago he secured a three-set victory over France’s Benoit Paire in Sydney. His reward will be a clash against 2016 champion Milos Raonic in the second round.
“He’s a player that you watch on TV all the time so it’s going to be lots of fun to get out on court and play with him,” De Minaur said about the Canadian.
“(The play-off win was a) real boost of confidence and self belief as well. I’m really comfortable with where my game’s at.”
The win follows his recent success at the Australian Open wildcard playoffs. De Minaur, who is yet to crack the top 150, defeated top seed Alex Bolt to reach his fourth grand slam main draw.
Elsewhere on the opening day of the men’s Brisbane draw, Alexandr Dolgopolov upset sixth seed Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-6(3). The Ukrainian fired six aces and won 80% of his first service points.
