Source : the age
Alex de Minaur’s latest Wimbledon title assault is off to a perfect start, surviving an early challenge to eventually score a runaway straight-sets victory.
The 2024 quarter-finalist, who also made the last 16 last year, had some tense moments in the opening set-and-a-half before breezing past Argentine grasscourt novice Roman Andres Burruchaga 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 6-0.
“I had a little bit of a nervy start. It’s never easy starting such an incredible tournament like Wimbledon,” de Minaur said on court.
“There are always those nerves, but as the match went on, I played better and better, and I’m super stoked to be in the next round.
Alex de Minaur’s 2026 Wimbledon campaign is off to a strong start, prevailing over Argentine claycourt specialist Roman Andres Burruchaga in straight sets.
The Demon won a tight first set in over an hour, after a nail-biting tie-breaker 7-6 (7-5).
However, the Australian quickly found his groove, steamrolling Burruchaga to take the next two sets 6-1, 6-0.
The world No.6 oozed confidence in the last two sets, delivering a masterclass of volleys, slices, drop shots and his trademark explosive speed to leave Burruchaga with no answers.
Burruchaga looks completely lost as Alex de Minaur cruises through this third set.
With some thundering aces and backhands, The Demon is speeding towards straight sets victory.
The sun-soaked Wimbledon crowd are starting to look a little bored.
The Australian leads 5-0 in the third set.
De Minaur’s ability to hold the baseline, coupled with his strong serve and some impressive volleys has given him a two set lead.
He’s cruised into third set effortlessly, breaking Burruchaga instantly and taking the first two games.
Burruchaga is playing well, but anytime he hits a shot that looks like a winner, the Australian manages to get there.
De Minaur leads 3-0 in the third set.
Winning that first set looks even more important now after de Minaur breezes through the second set, 6-1.
The world No.6 might have finally broken Burruchaga’s spirit after a very competitive start to the contest, including de Minaur having to save four break points in the third game of the second set.
In an alternative reality, Demon could have been a set and a break down. Instead, he is a set away from facing Adrian Mannarino in the second round.
Alex de Minaur has snapped into gear, ruthlessly taking the second set in 30 minutes, winning 6-1.
After a slow start in the first set, the Demon showcased his explosive speed and powerful backhands to overwhelm Burruchaga, who didn’t have any answers.
American Taylor Fritz appears to have taken inspiration from Naomi Osaka, debuting an all-white outfit before his game
The American wore a custom Hugo Boss white suit with a matching headband – channelling Roger Federer’s iconic 2007 Wimbledon walk-on.
Alex De Minaur is looking a lot more comfortable now. After a cross-court backhand and two slices, the Australian is up 4-1 in the second set.
He’s given the Wimbledon crowd a taste of that explosive speed he’s known for, bolting across the court.
Let’s cross back to de Minaur and Burruchaga in the second set.
After taking the first set, 7-6 (7-5), the Australian has continued his charge and leads the second set 2-1.
Young gun Talia Gibson’s Wimbledon is over after a gallant effort in the first round, losing 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 to Czech No.21 seed Marie Bouzkova.
Hopefully, she can get a friendlier draw next year.
