Alex de Minaur and Storm Hunter are among 27 Aussies scheduled to compete on day six at Australian Open 2024.
Melbourne, Australia, 18 January 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Alex de Minaur is happy to share the spotlight with Storm Hunter on day six at Australian Open 2024.
The Aussie favourites will feature in third-round singles action this evening at Melbourne Park, which is new territory for 29-year-old Hunter.
“It’s a pretty amazing achievement what she’s accomplished, considering the lack of preparation she was able to have going from United Cup straight into qualifying,” De Minaur said.
“Now she’s in the third round of singles, which is great. You know, hopefully this gives her the belief to pursue the singles career a lot more.”
The world No.10’s focus, however, is firmly on his own third-round clash with a qualifier, Italian Flavio Cobolli.
“He’s rising up the rankings, playing some great tennis,” De Minaur noted of his 21-year-old opponent.
“Obviously (he) came through qualies and, you know, it’s not easy coming through qualies at a Slam. So he’s definitely got a lot of confidence under his belt. He’ll be very difficult to play against.”
Hunter is hoping to take advantage of her momentum when she faces world No.11 Barbora Krejcikova.
“She’s obviously a Grand Slam champion in singles and doubles. A great player,” the world No.180 acknowledged.
“She kind of reminds me of Ash Barty a little bit, the way she plays.”
“It’s honestly going to be a tough match, (but) I’m up for it. I feel like I’m playing well. I’ve just got to back myself.”
De Minaur and Hunter are among 27 Aussies scheduled to compete across a jam-packed day six schedule.
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For those who can’t make it to Melbourne Park, the tournament is broadcast live in Australia on the Nine Network and Stan Sport. Play begins from 11am AEDT.
Aussies in action on day six:
Men’s singles, third round
[10] Alex de Minaur (AUS) v [Q] Flavio Cobolli (ITA), John Cain Arena, third match (not before 7pm AEDT)
Women’s singles, third round
[Q] Storm Hunter (AUS) v [9] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE), Rod Laver Arena, night session, second match
Men’s doubles, first round
[16] Rinky Hijikata (AUS)/Jason Kubler (AUS) v Chris O’Connell (AUS)/Laslo Djere (SRB), Court 3, first match (from 11am AEDT)
Max Purcell (AUS)/Jordan Thompson (AUS) v Alexander Erler (AUT)/Lucas Miedler (AUT), 1573…
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