Alex de Minaur defeats Daniil Medvedev at French Open to achieve 20-year Australian first
Alex de Minaur has become the first Australian man in 20 years to reach the last eight of the French Open after producing a brilliant performance to dethrone Russian star Daniil Medvedev at Roland Garros.
After dropping a tight first set, the 25-year-old performed brilliantly against the former US Open champion to progress to his second career grand slam quarterfinal 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-3 in 2hr 49min.
It was a superb display of all-court tennis from the world No.11, who ran his rival ragged from midway through the second set in one of the best performances of his career.
The Sydneysider, who has become increasingly adept on clay courts, deployed his drop shot and lob to perfection to befuddle Medvedev, who was not the same player after receiving treatment for a blister underneath a toe on his right foot midway through the second set.
He will play the winner of a clash between German Alexander Zverev and Dane Holger Rune on Wednesday for a spot in the semi-finals.
Addressing the crowd in French after his triumph, de Minaur said he loved the “incredible ambience” on the court.
