Well, what a night/early morning that was.
Alex de Minaur started a little slowly in the first set, but came alive from the second set onwards to dominate the match, and straight afterwards he even charmed the French crowd by conducting his post-match interview in their language.
Midway through the match, he claimed 11 out of 12 games to give himself the momentum to carry him home.
His 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-3 win over world No.5 Daniil Medvedev makes him the first Australian man to reach the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros since Lleyton Hewitt, way back in 2004.
Next, De Minaur will play the winner of the match later today (wee hours of the morning) between Alex Zverev and Holger Rune. And if he manages to advance to the semi-finals he’ll be the first Aussie male to get that far at this tournament since Pat Rafter back in 1997.
He’s having one helluva ride at this tournament, and if his form tonight is any indicator, he’s going to be tough to beat from here on in.
Look out for Marc McGowan’s comprehensive wrap of tonight’s match coming to this website shortly, and stay tuned as we follow the Demon’s fortunes … hopefully all the way to the final at the weekend.
We’ll see you for the next match! Sleep well, tennis fans.
Australia’s Alex de Minaur is through to the quarter-finals.Credit: AP
No Australian man has made it this far at the French Open since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004, and he now has the chance to match Pat Rafter’s semi-final effort from 27 years ago.
De Minaur next faces the winner between Alex Zverev and Holger Rune, both of whom he has beaten before.
Wow, the Aussie has done it. Caused an upset at Rolland-Garros and is through to the quarter-finals for the first time!
That’s one huge grin (and well deserved) from Alex de Minaur.
Alex de Minaur defeats Daniil Medvedev 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-3.
Oh, this is exciting. And not just for those who want to go to bed and were hoping to avoid a five-setter.
Alex de Minaur is just one game away from claiming the fourth set, and the match. In saying that, the home stretch can often be the hardest.
The Aussie is up 5-3 in the fourth set. He just needs to hold serve to beat Medvedev.
Alex de Minaur is two games away from claiming the fourth set, and the match. He’s up 4-3.
That last game was not an easy one and it was going to be crucial for whoever got it.
There’s still a few turns this match could take but right now, a quarter-final maiden birth is in the Demon’s sights.
De Minaur leads 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 4-3
Alex de Minaur plays a shot.Credit: AP
De Minaur holds to make it 2-2 in the fourth set.
After giving up 11 of 12 games in a row, Medvedev looks to be finding a bit of control again in this match. Could this be another turning point?
De Minaur leads 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 2-2
Daniil Medvedev changed his clothes between the third and fourth set, then his racquet, but he can’t find any of the answers he’s looking for.
De Minaur has now won 11 of the past 12 games, and is up in the fourth set 1-0.
De Minaur leads 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-0
Thanasi Kokkinakis is watching his fellow countryman Alex de Minaur on in the stands, enjoying some much earned rest.
Kokkinakis bowed out of the French Open in the third round yesterday in a hard-fought five sets against American star Taylor Fritz.
Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis watches fellow countryman Alex de Minaur in the fourth round at the French Open.Credit: AP
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