Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Alexei Popyrin and Alex de Minaur are giving local fans plenty to cheer about at Australian Open 2023.
Their remarkable performances to reach the third round in the men’s singles competition has sparked incredible scenes at Melbourne Park, with fans embracing their spirited efforts.
“I get goose bumps just thinking about it, honestly,” Popyrin said of the crowd support after recording his second consecutive five-set win in front of a vocal John Cain Arena crowd. “They really helped me through the tough times.”
De Minaur is also finding inspiration in the success of Popyrin, his childhood friend and Davis Cup team-mate.
“It’s amazing to see Aussies do great,” said De Minaur. “It makes me very proud and very excited.”
Australians fans will have a lot to cheer about on day six, with 26 Aussie players scheduled to compete. This includes De Minaur and Popyrin in third-round men’s singles action.
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Aussies in action:
[22] Alex de Minaur (AUS) v Benjamin Bonzi (FRA)
Men’s singles, third round, Rod Laver Arena, day session, third match
De Minaur is aiming to progress to the Australian Open fourth round for a second straight year. Although the 23-year-old Aussie has scored two wins against world No.48 Bonzi in the past six months, the No.22 seed knows he needs to be wary of the 26-year-old Frenchman. “He’s a very solid opponent and a competitor,” De Minaur noted. “I’m looking forward to it. It should be a great battle.” Bonzi is enjoying a career-best Grand Slam run and showed his fighting spirt in the second round, where he recovered from a two-set deficit to eliminate 14th seed Pablo Carreno Busta.
Head-to-head record: De Minaur leads 2-1
Last meeting: De Minaur won 6-3 6-1 (Stockholm, October 2022)
[WC] Alexei Popyrin (AUS) v Ben Shelton (USA)
Men’s singles, third round, John Cain Arena, fourth match (not before 7pm AEDT)
The resurgent Popyrin has been lighting up Melbourne Park with his spectacular performances this week. The 23-year-old wildcard is now looking to reach a major fourth round for the first time. World No.89 Shelton is enjoying an impressive run of his own. The 20-year-old is travelling outside of America for the first time and has won his first Grand Slam main-draw matches. “He’s a big lefty, big serve, big from the back, likes to come forward, has a huge game. Is really up-and-coming with so much…
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