Aussie Alex De Minaur takes on Damir Dzumhur for a place in the quarter-finals of the Sydney International. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:45pm (AEDT).
De Minaur’s stock continues to rise courtesy of another impressive performance against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco yesterday afternoon.
Despite being just 18 years of age, De Minaur played with a maturity beyond his years en route to a straight-sets victory over a former Australian Open semi-finalist.
Now, De Minaur faces another tough test against Dzumhur, who unlike Verdasco, enjoyed a solid 2017 season winning two ATP tour titles in Russia.
Throw in another ATP tour final appearance at the 2017 Winston-Salem Open and it is clear to see that Dzumhur enjoyed a career-best season, which sees him ranked among the best 30 players on the planet.
Over the past two seasons, Dzumhur has enjoyed notable victories over world class opposition such as Stan Wawrinka, Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal, proving that the Bosnian now ranks as one of the more dangerous players on tour.
Despite this, De Minaur certainly has confidence on his side this summer. Victories over Steve Johnson, Milos Raonic and Verdasco will have the young Aussie believing that he has what it takes to beat some of the more established players on the ATP tour.
If De Minaur can continue to replicate his steely determination and impressive shotmaking prowess, then he is a chance of adding another big scalp to his growing list of wins.
Prediction
On form, De Minaur perhaps faces the toughest test of his young career to date. Dzumhur enters the Sydney International off the back of a strong 2017 season and the in-form Bosnian should provide De Minaur with a stern examination.
But given De Minaur’s impressive performances of late, it wouldn’t surprise to see the Aussie record another win on home soil given that momentum is on his side.
De Minaur in three sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this second round match from around 4pm (AEDT) or at the completion of Garbine Muguruza and Kiki Bertens on the Ken Rosewall Arena.
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur once again adds another scalp to his growing list of victories, this time defeating Dzumhur, who retired injured in the second set. De Minaur though was in absolute control from the opening service game and had Dzumhur covered in every facet of the game. This young Aussie is certainly one to watch out for at the Australian Open. He may very well enter next week's Grand Slam as the Sydney International champion if he keeps this up... Dzumhur 2 0 RET De Minaur 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK DE MINAUR GAME SET AND MATCH DE MINAUR Dzumhur 2 0 RET De Minaur 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
The frustrating thing for Dzumhur this afternoon is the fact that De Minaur is giving away nothing. No cheap points whatsoever. More break points for the Aussie.. Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur he holds yet again and the young Aussie is on his way here... Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur always winning the lengthy rallies in this match. Game point. Backhand return is strong and its Deuce. Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Dzumhur's game not troubling De Minaur in the slightest. Dzumhur pushed to the limit but the Bosnian still fighting. 15-30 Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Dzumhur's forehand letting him down. De Minaur breaks yet again! BREAK DE MINAUR Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Dzumhur blinks first again in the rally and sends his forehand wide. Another break point for De Minaur. Deuce courtesy of a good volley from the Bosnian. Another forehand winner for break point. Dzumhur is fighting hard to stay in this. Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur has Dzumhur comfortably covered here. He is overpowering the Bosnian and continues to move around the court very well. The young Aussie has all the answers thus far. Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FIRST SET DE MINAUR Dzumhur 2 0 De Minaur 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Terrific lob from Dzumhur and its 0-15. De Minaur still backing himself with the forehand and its paying dividends. 30-15. Another forehand down the line and its set point! Dzumhur 2 De Minaur 5
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur will now serve for the first set Dzumhur 2 De Minaur 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Another unforced error allows De Minaur to hold. Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 5
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur letting it rip with the forehand. He is in complete control of this first set. Dzumhur in a real spot of bother. Another game point for the Australian. Deuce courtesy of a good return from Dzumhur. Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Dzumhur is fit. Play resumes. Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Dzumhur has called for the trainer.... Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 4
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur off to another very fast start here. Exceptional form thus far. Dzumhur's game though not as big as other players and De Minaur is taking advantage and overpowering the Bosnian at the moment. Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Another break point for De Minaur. Dzumhur is rattled. He breaks again! BREAK DE MINAUR Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 4
Alan
Roar Guru
30-0 and De Minaur is in really good form here. Forehand is strong. His movement up to the net is composed and calculated. Hewitt providing good tutelage. He holds well! Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 3
Alan
Roar Guru
De Minaur doing damage with the forehand. Causing Dzumhur all sorts of problems. Dzumhur's game no where near as big as Verdasco's. De Minaur taking advantage. Dzumhur 1 De Minaur 2