Alex De Minaur headlines Aussie hat-trick at US Open | ATP Tour

Matching Report

De Minaur headlines Aussie hat-trick as Thompson upsets Hurkacz

O’Connell also wins, setting up the Sinner conflict

August 29, 2024

After recovering from injury mid-year, Alex de Minaur didn’t take long to get back to business at the US Open.

The number 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings eased past qualifier Otto Virtanen 7-5, 6-1, 7-6(3) on Thursday afternoon to book his place in the third round on a tough court. Renowned as one of the most ferocious competitors on the ATP Tour, De Minaur has now dropped one set in his two matches so far in New York, where he returned after missing seven weeks with a hip injury.

“I am very happy [about the win]and obviously I’m happy to be back on the court playing in front of you guys,” said De Minaur in his court interview. “It’s always a good atmosphere in New York. I’m glad to continue. Every day I’m getting a little better and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

A classic @alexdeminaur point:@uvule | #USOVula
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– ATP Tour (@atptour) August 29, 2024

Although he hasn’t competed since Wimbledon, De Minaur has resumed a dominant year in New York. The 25-year-old Australian is now 38-12 this season, and will hope to continue his impressive comeback in his next bout against either Mariano Navone or Daniel Evans.

“I’m getting better every day,” said De Minaur. “I don’t have many expectations yet, but I know that every time I come out here I will compete, I will try my best.” which is very difficult and hopefully will be included in the show. Let’s see if I can continue.”

De Minaur was joined in the third round by compatriots Jordan Thompson and Christopher O’Connell.

Thompson earned his first win against a Top 10 opponent at a Grand Slam by upsetting seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(2), 6-1, 7-5. World No. 32 enjoyed a dominant day in action, winning 82 percent (42/51) of points after his first serve on his way to victory in his first Lexus ATP Head2Head match with Hurkacz. Thompson next takes on 30th seed Matteo Arnaldi, who defeated Roman Safiullin 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.

O’Connell reached the third round of a major for the third time with a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci. The 30-year-old will prepare for a meeting with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Nuno Borges prevented Thanasi Kokkinakis from making a good start to the day for the Australian men in New York. The Portuguese defeated Kokkinakis 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 to advance to face either Jakub Mensik or Tristan Schoolkate.