Alex de Minaur prevails in Australian Open exhibition match over jet-lagged Carlos Alcaraz

Alex de Minaur has prevailed in the exhibition match between himself and Carlos Alcaraz held during Fans Week at the Australian Open. He won the match 7-5, 4-6, 10-5 against an erratic Carlitos.

Alcaraz had just flown in to prepare for the Australian Open and so is still jetlagged while of course De Minaur had the upperhand with it being his home country and also being there since the United Cup.

Alcaraz now after giving the fans what they want so to speak will in fact await his Australian Open draw fate which should be confirmed through the night on Thursday. He will then tackle practice for the first time having just landed with his team which also includes Samuel Lopez for the first time as another cog in the armoury.

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It was also a new look Alcaraz as Andrea Petkovic said afterwards. He has a new haircut and looks different albeit like his early career days. “I discussed with my barber that when I get a haircut… three days later it’s grown out. So I have to go more often. It’s a New year. I knew I was gonna be here in Australia. 40 Degrees. It’s summer here. I thought I needed something new. I already did this haircut a few years ago and I just like it. Probably this year is gonna be a new Carlitos in style," he said.

He will hope that not only will it gleam him extra style points but also good form after a poor end to last season as he tailed off towards the end from his best.

He was also asked about De Minaur getting engaged and his own hopes of being so as he laughed. "Who knows this year, no engagement so far. I laughed with some close people that during the break, 3 or 4 players got engaged. I thought it was my turn, but not yet," he joked.

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