Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter has cautioned Alex de Minaur about the threat posed by American Alex Michelsen ahead of their Australian Open clash, as the 25-year-old de Minaur looks to achieve a feat reminiscent of Lleyton Hewitt. De Minaur, who entered his third-round match in great form, had to battle through four sets to overcome Francisco Cerundolo, struggling with his serve at times.
Despite acknowledging his difficulties, de Minaur showed glimpses of his trademark speed and agility throughout the match, earning the support of Australian fans as the last remaining home hope in both the men’s and women’s singles draws. He’s hoping to become the first Aussie male to win the Australian Open since Mark Edmondson in 1976. However, Rafter has urged de Minaur to stay vigilant against the young American.
De Minaur faces Michelsen in the fourth round as he aims to reach his first Australian Open quarter-final. If successful, he would also become the first Australian male to make the quarter-finals at four consecutive Grand Slams since Hewitt in 2005.
Rafter, a former World No. 1, warned de Minaur to be wary of Michelsen’s powerful groundstrokes when they meet at Rod Laver Arena. “I back him against Michelsen,” Rafter said. “But Michelsen’s got a really big game. Can he keep it together against someone like Alex? I think it’s a tough match-up for Michelsen, but if he keeps his composure, he can be dangerous.”
De Minaur is no stranger to Michelsen’s game, having faced him twice last year. De Minaur dominated the American on clay at Roland Garros, but Michelsen got the better of him on a hard court at Los Cabos.
“He’s been playing well and has gained a lot of confidence,” de Minaur noted. “He’s taken some big scalps this week, so I’m ready for a battle. He’ll play with no fear, and I’ll do my best to make it tough for him.”
De Minaur, who is gradually regaining form after a disrupted 2024 season due to a hip injury, is feeling stronger in 2025. His gritty win over Cerundolo in the third round showcased his resilience, despite a shaky start where he dropped the first set.
Reflecting on the match, de Minaur admitted he didn’t feel fully comfortable but powered through with determination. “I didn’t know what to do at first. I felt the pressure and nerves, but I told myself to just compete,” de Minaur shared. “I’d rather win ugly than lose pretty, and I’m still in the fight. I’ll make sure I bring a better level in the next match.”
Should de Minaur advance to the quarter-finals, he could face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has been his nemesis in previous encounters. De Minaur has yet to beat Sinner, with a daunting 0-9 record against the reigning Australian Open champion.
