Alex de Minaur’s motto, etched in sharpie on the facet of his tennis bag, is “Don’t worry”.
It has served the twenty second seed properly as he superior to his second consecutive Australian Open fourth spherical on Saturday afternoon.
De Minaur cruised with a straight units win over Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, taking simply over two hours to advance, 7-6 6-2 6-1.
After the match, de Minaur stated he was stoked to get away in three units.
“Every time I get out here I have to pinch myself. I just enjoy what I do every day and I’m just happy.”
“As a kid, this is what you train for. I’m pretty happy, I won’t lie.”
Whether or not he’s “worried” is one other factor.
He faces a fourth spherical match-up with both nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic or former world quantity 3 Grigor Dimitrov.
If Djokovic advances on Saturday night time, will probably be the primary time de Minaur and the Serbian champ have gone head-to-head.
“I am going to have my popcorn ready,” de Minaur stated throughout his on-court interview on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a hell of a match, both Novak and Grigor, (great) competitors.”
But at his post-match press convention, a query from The New York Times revealed de Minaur might have a secret weapon.
The Aussie was requested if taking part in on Rod Laver Arena makes him “10 per cent better”.
“I love playing here in my back yard,” de Minaur stated.
“The Aussie crowd is amazing and they’ve had my back from day dot. I’ll always cherish that.”
He stated it’s a issue his opponents ought to contemplate when taking part in an Aussie Down Under.
“I think the difference is that the opponents not only have to play me but me and the whole crowd.”
He stated he approaches the duty the identical manner irrespective of the place he performs.
“I’m the same, I try to bring it every place I step out on the court.”
On the prospect of dealing with Djokovic, de Minaur was optimistic however stuffed with reward.
“Ultimately, he’s one of the best in the world and I’m going to have to take it to him. I’m going to make it as tough as I can. This is the match that I want. I’ll get fired up.”
He known as Dimitrov “one of the most talented players on tour”.
“His top level is exceptional. He makes tennis look very, very easy.”
De Minaur was additionally requested whether or not the balls at this 12 months’s Australian Open had been totally different than earlier years. Several gamers have urged they’re softer than standard.
“I have heard a lot of players voicing their opinions on the balls,” he stated.
“It’s been difficult because I’ve played two matches during the night when it’s colder and it’s felt quite slow.
“The whole practise week it was hot every day and the balls felt like they were really flying out there. The balls have played differently every time I’ve stepped out on court.”
