Misc Tennis

Alex de Minaur makes winning start at Roland Garros | 29 May, 2023 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

Alex de Minaur makes winning start at Roland Garros | 29 May, 2023 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

Alex de Minaur defeats Ilya Ivashka in a successful start to his seventh main-draw campaign at Roland Garros.

Paris, France , 29 May 2023 | Vivienne Christie

Trademark speed, characteristic determination and thrilling touch all featured as Alex de Minaur made a winning start to his seventh main-draw campaign at Roland Garros.

But mostly, it was business-like efficiency as the 18th seeded De Minaur overcame Ilya Ivashka in four sets.

De Minaur required two hours and 45 minutes to claim a 6-1 5-7 6-1 6-3 win over his world No.73 opponent, which sees the Australian through to the second round of the clay-court major for a third time.

While Roland Garros has statistically proven to be De Minaur’s most challenging Grand Slam setting, the 24-year-old Sydneysider quickly showed his comfort on the Parisian clay in 2023.

De Minaur took early control of the Court 6 encounter, claiming a first break of serve to take a 2-1 lead, and winning five straight games to secure the 31-minute first set.

Having saved three break points late in the first set, De Minaur experienced a first blip with a dropped service game early in the second set.

The Australian instantly recovered but there was a bigger challenge as Ivashka found his rhythm, the Belarusian fighting back as De Minaur served for a two-set lead. Winning four straight games, Ivashka levelled the match with his first ace.

A reset was immediate for the determined 24-year-old, De Minaur successfully navigating some extended rallies – ending some with cleverly disguised drop shots, others with perfectly placed lobs – throughout the third set.

Improved serving also featured as De Minaur took control over Ivashka, the Australian never seriously troubled throughout the remaining two sets.

De Minaur finished with 35 winners, including six aces. Converting 10 of his 21 break opportunities against Ivashka, he saved nine of 13 break points he faced.

The accomplished performance provides De Minaur with welcome confidence ahead of a second-round meeting with Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who advanced when Brit Jack Draper retired with injury.

It also adds to some satisfying recent progress for world No.19 De Minaur, who claimed a personal-best 47 match wins on tour last year.

He launched his 2023 season…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Tennis.com.au – Tennis Australia…