Alex de Minaur v Mackenzie McDonald: Australian Open first round – live
Updates as Australia’s No 1 meets the American lucky loser
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It is a glorious summer’s day in Melbourne, which means peak temperatures in the early 30s and stifling conditions for elite sport. The atmospheric conditions are intensified for the players by the heat reflecting off the blue courts and the slim chance the cooling southerly breeze penetrates the bowl of Rod Laver Arena.
The tournament’s heat policy is unlikely to kick in today but it will definitely be in operation on Saturday when the mercury could hit 40C, in advance of a stifling second week of competition.
De Minaur’s time on tour has been marked by his consistency to perform at a high level, including the last four years in and around the world’s top 10. He has returned to his career-high rank of No 6 this month. But the summit has so far eluded him.
He has reached the quarter-finals at a grand slam six times – including at Melbourne Park last year – without being able to take that next step. The defeat at home last year against Jannik Sinner, when the Italian swamped De Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in just 108 minutes, was the defending champion’s 10th victory in a row against the Australian. Continue reading...
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