“This is Alex De Minaur’s moment”: Why Aussie needs to cause huge upset against world No.1

SEN’s Dwayne Russell thinks that now is the time for Alex De Minaur to grasp a golden opportunity at the Australian Open.

The No.8 seed faces world No. 1, Jannik Sinner, in the quarter final on Wednesday night, and Russell firmly believes that this could be a career moment for the Aussie.

De Minaur has been one of the best players in the draw so far this tournament, dropping just one set through four matches, and while he’s yet to beat Sinner in nine attempts, Russell thinks that he must overcome the Italian to truly become a home-town hero.

“This is Alex De Minaur’s moment, this is a big moment for Alex and for Australian tennis,” Russell told SEN Afternoons.

“To me, he just needs to win. Yes, he plays world number one Jannik Sinner in his quarter-final, but this is the moment that Alex just needs to make his own. 

“He needs to win it if he wants to be mentioned in the same sentence as guys and girls that we've cheered for and loved for at least giving us a hero moment. He has to win on the big stage during prime time.

“Mark Philippoussis didn't win a Grand Slam, but at least he made two Grand Slam finals. Mark Woodforde the doubles king, even made a Grand Slam singles semi, and dare I say it, Alex De Minaur can't even be mentioned in the same sentence yet as Nick Kyrgios, who at least made a Grand Slam final. 

“Alex needs to at least get to a semi, which he hasn’t gotten to in any of the Grand Slams around the world. 

“When we talk about Australian icons like Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt, Pat Cash and Ash Barty, they’re Australian sporting icons who all won Grand Slams.”

Russell also thinks that Sinner could be gettable after he struggled at times during his four-set fourth-round match against Holger Rune.

There are also rumours floating around that Sinner has pneumonia.

“Alex De Minaur is the world number 8, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he can make it at least to a final or even win a final, there's been plenty that have been way outside the top 10 that have won Grand Slams before,” Russell said.

“This is his moment, Alex is the world number 8, he needs to get it done, and he does have the advantage that many of the greats have never had of a home Grand Slam. 

“Jannik also looked a bit under the weather, he was crook in his last match, so he gets the world number one who might be on the ropes a little with his health at a home Grand Slam.

“Alex De Minaur must win tomorrow night in front of his home crowd, this is his moment.”

The De Minaur v Sinner quarter final is set for 7:30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday. Listen to the match via SEN Tennis LIVE on the SEN app and radio network.