Australian sixth seed Alex de Minaur launched his 2026 Australian Open campaign with a commanding and efficient straight-sets victory over American Mackenzie McDonald on Monday afternoon.
Routine Start for Home Favourite
De Minaur required just 108 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to dismantle his opponent, winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. The win was a professional display from the world number six, who broke McDonald's serve early in both the first and second sets to seize immediate control of the match.
The Australian had been preparing to face a sterner test in former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, but the Italian's late withdrawal promoted McDonald from qualifying as a lucky loser. Despite the American's experience, he was unable to cope with De Minaur's intensity and precision.
"It's always a nervy start, starting in the Australian Open, playing at home, so I'm extremely happy with that performance," De Minaur said after the match, which was watched by Davis Cup captain and former champion Lleyton Hewitt.
Serve Shows Signs of Improvement in Warm Conditions
A key focus for De Minaur has been the development of his serve, which last year saw his first-serve percentage dip below 50% during his run to the quarter-finals. While it remains a work in progress, the warm Melbourne conditions provided a helpful boost.
"Historically I've played pretty well here in Australia, so I enjoy the conditions, it's quite quick," De Minaur explained. "When the sun's out, like today, the conditions are pretty fast, the ball flies through the air, it kind of helps my serve a little bit."
Against McDonald, he landed 52% of his first serves and did not face a single break point after the opening stages, holding all of his service games comfortably. His renowned defensive skills and elite returning did the rest, neutralising McDonald's game.
Medjedovic Awaits in Next Test
The victory books De Minaur a place in the second round, where he will face Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic. The young Serbian defeated Argentina's Mariano Navone in four sets to advance.
De Minaur is aware of the threat posed by his next opponent, acknowledging Medjedovic's powerful game. "[He] is extremely talented, he's got a lot of firepower," De Minaur said. "It's going to be up to me to try and neutralise as much as I can."
The Australian enters this tournament as the highest-seeded home male player since Lleyton Hewitt in 2006. Having equalled a long-standing Australian record by reaching the fourth round for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, he will be aiming to go even deeper this fortnight at Melbourne Park.
