Rising Aussie star Alex De Minaur begins his Sydney international campaign against former Australian Open semi-finalist Fernando Verdasco. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from around 2:30pm (AEDT).
Australian tennis is in good stead following the recent exploits of Nick Kyrgios and De Minaur. The latter reached his maiden ATP tour semi-final last week at the Brisbane International, losing a tight three-setter to established American Ryan Harrison.
Despite the defeat, De Minaur has firmly established himself as a player to watch out for in Sydney and at the Australian Open next week.
The 18-year-old has proven himself to be a stern competitor and more importantly, De Minaur isn’t afraid to go on the offensive against established stars.
His performance against Milos Raonic, in particular, was very impressive. Raonic is the biggest server on tour, but that mattered for little against De Minaur, who returned superbly to frustrate Raonic en route to a straight-sets victory.
With each passing victory however, expectations will rise for De Minaur and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the added pressure, beginning against Verdasco.
Verdasco should provide De Minaur with another stern test despite producing some underwhelming performances over the past few seasons.
Last year, Verdasco only reached one final in Dubai, an ATP 500 event, where he lost to first-seeded Andy Murray in straight sets. He also reached three semifinals in Doha, Stockholm, and Båstad.
Regardless, on his day, Verdasco remains one of the most dangerous players on the ATP tour. His serve and forehand are major weapons and De Minaur will do well to cover the court and nullify Verdasco’s shot-making prowess.
Prediction
De Minaur only needs to replicate his competitive showing at the Brisbane International to give himself the best chance of winning.
Verdasco can get frustrated under pressure and unforced errors might flow from his racquet. If De Minaur can cover the court well and maintain his present form, he is certainly in the running to attain another impressive victory.
De Minaur in three sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage from around 2:30pm (AEDT) or at the completion of Agnieszka Radwanska versus Johanna Konta on the Ken Rosewall Arena.
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a win! Cheers for the call Alan.
Alan
Roar Guru
Another professional performance sees De Minaur claim another scalp as he defeats Fernando Verdasco in straight sets here in Sydney. Verdasco was below his best, but De Minaur frustrated him significantly with his ability to compete and cover the court exceptionally well. De Minaur was also controlled with his aggression and he can certainly go deep in Sydney with the open draw. A great summer so far for the young Aussie! Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH DE MINAUR Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Match point as Verdasco nets the backhand return Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
30-30 Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
15-30 Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
15 all as Verdasco yet again sends a forehand wide Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Verdasco with a punishing backhand return and its 0-15. Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Good serve and backhand winner sees Verdasco lead 30-0. Too little too late it seems though for the Spaniard. Verdasco holds with the ace. De Minaur will serve for the match Verdasco 4 2 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
40-0 De Minaur as the Australian produces all the answers as he secures game point with the backhand volley. Professional. He holds! Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Verdasco's unforced error count continues to grow and De Minaur is able to break. The Aussie's tenacity around the court paying off now... Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK DE MINAUR Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Double fault and Verdasco's frustration grows. 15-30. Break point De Minaur courtesy of another double fault from Verdasco Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Game point for De Minaur. Big hold as Verdasco nets the return! Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Deuce courtesy of a good serve from De Minaur. Verdasco going after the serve though and its another break point for the Spaniard. Back to deuce... Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Verdasco with the drop shot allows De Minaur to end the point with the easy backhand winner. 15-30. Two break points Verdasco. Big moments now Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Have been really impressed by De Minaur's ability to return first serves with interest. He is handling big serves over 200km/h like a pro. De Minaur on his way to another impressive win by the looks of it.. Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Three break points De Minaur as Verdasco produces some poor unforced errors....De Minaur breaks again. Terrific defence yet again. Great returner of serve is De Minaur! BREAK DE MINAUR Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
40-15 De Minaur and he holds with the ace down the tee. Really impressive to see the young Aussie more than holding his own against some real established ATP stars Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Great attitude yet again from De Minaur to take the first set as Verdasco attempting to make a move after trailing 4-1. Verdasco holds easily in the second set and leads 1-0 Verdasco 4 1 De Minaur 6 0