Next Opponent revealed: Alex de Minaur sets up Miami Open clash with youngster, as Jordan Thompson, Adam Walton advance
Aussie Trio Storm into Miami Open’s Last 32 in Style
Three Australian players have advanced to the Miami Open’s Round of 32, each securing their spot with straight-sets victories.
World No. 11 and 10th seed Alex de Minaur needed just 86 minutes to dispatch China’s Bu Yunchaokete 6-4, 6-4. De Minaur delivered at crucial moments, breaking serve in the 10th game of both sets to seal the win.
Next up for the 26-year-old is Brazilian teenage sensation Joao Fonseca, who impressed with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over France’s Ugo Humbert. This marks Fonseca’s first-ever third-round appearance at an ATP Masters 1000 event, making him the youngest player to reach this stage since Carlos Alcaraz in Paris (2021).
“I started the match super relaxed, with no nerves,” Fonseca said.
“I served well and got an early break. I think he was a little more nervous at the start, and that made the difference.”
Thompson & Walton Join De Minaur in Third Round
Jordan Thompson battled through two tiebreakers to edge past France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(4), 7-6(1), while Adam Walton claimed a solid 6-4, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Luciano Darderi.
Meanwhile, Alexei Popyrin was the only Australian to fall on Saturday, losing a tight three-setter to Russia’s Roman Safiullin, 6-7(4), 6-3, 7-5.
Zverev Sets Up Showdown with Thompson
Alexander Zverev made a confident start to his Miami Open campaign, cruising past British qualifier Jacob Fearnley 6-2, 6-4. The German now faces Jordan Thompson in the next round.
“Happy to have improved from Indian Wells, where I didn’t feel great on court,” Zverev said.
“Hopefully, this is just the start of a strong run for me here.”
Jack Draper Crashes Out, Fonseca Sparks Fan Frenzy
Indian Wells champion Jack Draper suffered an early exit, losing 7-6(2), 7-6(3) to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.
Meanwhile, the buzz surrounding Joao Fonseca was undeniable. As his match against Humbert began, fans flooded out of Draper-Mensik, chanting the Brazilian prodigy’s name and jeering loudly in excitement.
