Alex Michelsen awaits in the last 16 as home favourite looks to end run of defeats at this stage in Melbourne
Pressure has been stalking Alex de Minaur. Fuelled by the locals’ 49-year men’s singles drought at the Australian Open. Amplified by the No 8, next to his name in brackets. Anchored by the elimination of every one of his countrymen.
Finally the pressure pounced, during an uncomfortable four-set victory over the 31st-seed Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday. “This was probably the first match that I’ve played here in Australia, where I didn’t feel comfortable,” the 25-year-old said. “I didn’t know what to do, and I just told myself I had to go out there and compete.”