Alex de Minaur Delivers ‘Shot of the Tournament’ in Thrilling Four-Hour Australian Open Victory
Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur showcased incredible resilience and skill, pulling off a breathtaking reflex volley to secure a hard-fought win in the Australian Open. In a match lasting just under four hours, the eighth seed defeated 31st seed Francisco Cerundolo 5-7, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-3, advancing to the tournament’s last 16.
The turning point came late in the second set when de Minaur, trailing by a set and serving at 5-6, faced significant pressure. After a missed smash put him at risk of falling to 0-30, Cerundolo unleashed a sharp passing shot that clipped the net and seemed destined to drop for a winner. In a stunning display of reflexes, de Minaur adjusted his racquet to volley the ball back, earning the point and shifting the momentum.
“That was one of the shots of the tournament,” remarked Jim Courier, with Peter Marcato calling it “unbelievable” and ranking it above any tweener seen this year.
The pivotal moment allowed de Minaur to hold serve and force a tiebreaker, which he won to even the match at one set apiece. Todd Woodbridge and Lleyton Hewitt emphasized the significance of the volley, with Hewitt noting, “At 0-30, he would’ve been in a world of hurt.”
From there, de Minaur capitalized on the momentum, taking control in the third set despite Cerundolo briefly breaking back. The Argentine, battling cramps, continued to fight but was ultimately outmatched. A critical point in the fourth set—where de Minaur chased down a ball to force an error—solidified his dominance. Celebrating the moment, de Minaur signaled his confidence with his signature “legs are back” gesture.
Cerundolo’s resistance ended after a series of double faults, handing de Minaur the victory. Reflecting on the match, the Aussie praised his upcoming opponent, American Alex Michelsen, in the fourth round: “He’s a kid with a lot of confidence, but I love these battles.”
The victory also marks de Minaur’s first win in a match lasting over four hours, showcasing his growing composure and ability to thrive under pressure.
