Australia’s Alex de Minaur continues his journey at the Australian Open when he takes on Flavio Cobolli in the third round at John Cain Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the action from 7pm (AEDT).
De Minaur has backed up his early season form, and entry into the world’s top ten, by winning in his first two rounds.
Although not at his best in the first round against Canadian Milos Raonic, he was getting on top before Raonic was forced to retire. His second round was much improved, with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 win over Italian Matteo Arnaldi; incidentally the highest ranked player, at 41, he has beaten at the Australian Open in his career.
Cobolli is also Italian, but is ranked 100th and came through qualifying to make it into the main draw.
He comes in with some form, knocking out 18th seed Nicolas Jarry in a five-set marathon in the first round before enjoying a four-set win over Pavel Kotov in the second. He is definitely not short of match practice.
Prediction
These two have never played each other before so we have nothing to go on in that regard.
However, de Minaur is playing some great tennis at the moment and not just relying on his usual great court coverage and fighting spirit.
He had added power to both first and second serves and is winning more free points, easing pressure on the rest of his game.
With the support of a partisan crowd, the Aussie should progress to the last 16.
Alex De Minaur in straight sets.
Venue: John Cain Arena
Start Time: 7pm (AEDT)
TV: Channel 9
Streaming: Stan Sport, 9Now
Betting: De Minaur $1.07, Cobolli $8.00 – odds via PlayUp
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog tonight. Hope to be back on Sunday for De Minaur's 4th round match
David Holden
Roar Guru
Not too sure but he is playing some great tennis
David Holden
Roar Guru
He will play the winner of Sebastian Korda and Andrey Rublev in the 4th round, with that match about to get underway
Tim Miller
Editor
Outstanding performance from the Demon. Should we be daring to dream...?
David Holden
Roar Guru
Alex De Minaur has won his way through to the final 16 of the Australian Open. Cobolli does look to be a player for the future, most likely on a clay court, but De Minaur took control of most rallies and his net work was outstanding.
David Holden
Roar Guru
MATCH - DE MINAUR - 6-3 6-3 6-1 Forehand cross court winner and De Minaur just too strong in a straight sets win De Minaur 6 6 6 Cobolli 3 3 1
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great forehand approach and Cobolli goes long
David Holden
Roar Guru
Cobolli unleashes on the forehand to get back to deuce
David Holden
Roar Guru
De Minaur brings up match point with his backhand. 40-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
De Minaur sends his forehand long. 30-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
De Minaur nets the drop shot. 30-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good serve for 30-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
De Minaur with the off forehand winner. 15-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Relentless pressure and De Minaur grabs the double break De Minaur 6 6 5 Cobolli 3 3 1
David Holden
Roar Guru
De Minaur with the cross court forehand winner.
David Holden
Roar Guru
De Minaur nets the kick serve. Deuce
David Holden
Roar Guru
Error from Cobolli. Break point
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great forehand approach and volley winner from De Minaur. Deuce
David Holden
Roar Guru
Cobolli hits the nice forehand winner and has game point
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great crosscourt backhand return from De Minaur. Deuce