"They’ve been different matches on different surfaces and at different stages of his career" - Past misery against Alcaraz not fazing de Minaur ahead of quarter-final showdown

Alex de Minaur is into a seventh Grand Slam quarter-final after two lightning quick sets were enough to see off a hapless Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 at the Australian Open. In his press conference, a lot of the talk was on his next match against the world number one Carlos Alcaraz. Despite past defeats, de Minaur is raring to go as he looks to implement his positive form against the Spaniard.

After a very tight opening set, de Minaur was able to snatch a late break to turn it in his favour. He would proceed to drop two games in an exhibition of fantastic tennis from the pair. The Aussie was passionately cheered on by his loving fans, who witnessed another win on home soil.

"I think just mentally being switched on for the whole match," he began. "I know what Bublik can bring, and obviously he had gotten me the last couple of times we played, so I was very keen for this match. I’m very happy with the level from start to finish."

Bublik has not been a great opponent for de Minaur in the past. Despite having a better head-to-head record, he lost the prior two matches coming into this one, which included the second round of Roland Garros last year after being two sets to the good.

"As I said back then, that wasn’t a match I’m known for, so it was a tough one to take," he stated. "He’s been playing some incredible tennis. We also played at the Paris Masters at the end of last year, and he beat me in a tough three-set match, playing unbelievably well. I had to cop that loss."

While it was hard to take, the motivation to get the job done today stemmed from those setbacks. "But of course, coming into this one, I wanted my revenge. I knew what to expect and what I hadn’t done right the first couple of times. I was very pleased to get over the line and not get into trouble, because he can slap a couple of winners and suddenly the match goes sideways. I was happy to stay in control."

After watching his energetic style, it may be hard to believe that de Minaur can even stand after his matches. The incredible fitness he possesses allows him to repeat these types of showings, but he will be hoping for an optimal recovery ahead of facing Alcaraz in a first time meeting in a Grand Slam between the pair.

"I’ve got one of the toughest tasks ahead, so I want to bring everything I’ve got," he acknowledged. "It helps that I’m feeling quite fresh. It’s going to be a physical battle. Carlos does so many things incredibly well — not just hitting the ball, but extending rallies and making them physical. There could be some gruelling exchanges. This will be the first time we play a Grand Slam match against each other, and I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully it’s a battle and a long one."

Doubts have crept in over the de Minaur game, mostly by the Aussie himself, but it seems that this tournament proves that he is up to the task. He will go into the match with a level-head, not giving anything away. "Honestly, it’s not my job to give them optimism. They can think whatever they want and cheer for me, but it’s not my job to come out and say I’m definitely going to win," he commented.

"I’m playing against Carlos — it’s going to be incredibly tough. My job is to go out there, compete, and let my tennis do the talking. People can decide whatever they want before and after the match. I can’t control that. I’m not going to plead for belief. I’m just going to go out there, compete, go after the match, and enjoy the battle. It’s something I’ve never done before, but there’s always a first time, and I’m hoping it’s on Tuesday."

Five times the two have faced off on the ATP Tour, five times Alcaraz has walked off court the winner. The only win the Aussie number one grabbed off the six-time Grand Slam champion was in an exhibition match the start of last year. The other three meetings in 2025 were relatively close matches but Alcaraz would reign supreme.

That is the least of concern for de Minaur who cites a new day and a new opportunity. "They’ve been different matches on different surfaces and at different stages of his career," he noted. "This will be our first Grand Slam meeting, so I’m keen to see how it goes."

He acknowledged the level his opponent was playing at, but was not fazed by the challenge set to commence. "He’s playing at an incredibly high level. I know what to expect — even in exhibition matches, he’s brought high-quality tennis," he added. "For me, it comes down to bringing some of my best tennis. That’s what it’ll take to make it difficult, extend the match, and compete. One thing he’s improved is not losing focus. In the past, he might give you a few cheap points, but he’s worked on that, so he’s only getting harder to play. It’s been a tough draw and tough matches all week, and this will be my toughest test yet. I’m excited for the challenge."

In his last 16 matches where the score has been levelled at 4-4 in the first set, de Minaur has gone on to win 14 of them. "It feels great," he exclaimed as he praised Bublik's game. "Especially with how confidently he’s been playing lately. His style hasn’t changed — he goes for high-risk shots a lot — but he’s been pulling them off and applying huge pressure."

After the tense first set, de Minaur had cracked the code and never looked back. "For me to finally break through and apply constant pressure felt really good. This could easily have been an absolute battle. If the first set doesn’t go my way and I don’t get that strong return game at 5–4, suddenly we’re in a tiebreak and that’s a coin flip. I prefer early breaks where I can consolidate and stay on top. It was great tennis and we move on."

Temperatures are expected to soar once again in Melbourne on day nine, with it looking like it may rise above 40 Degrees Celsius once more. The players will not know whether they face off in the scorching day or the cooler evening. Either way, de Minaur does not mind.

"I’m Aussie — I don’t mind the heat. I’ve said it since day one. That’s what I grew up with," he said. "I assume the roof will be closed if the heat rule is in effect, which makes it more of an indoor match. It is what it is. When you walk on court, you deal with what’s in front of you. With the roof open, even at night, there’s usually a breeze in Melbourne, which makes conditions less perfect. Indoors, conditions are pretty ideal. I played with the roof closed when it rained in my match against Hamad, and I played a good level. I don’t know what to expect, but I’m excited."