Winning start for local hope

Alex de Minaur

Local hope Alex de Minaur said he has never felt better after getting his Australian Open off to a flying start Tuesday in the pursuit of a near-five-decade first.

The eighth seed raced through the first set against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp but was then made to sweat.

But he kept calm to clock a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 victory as he bids to become the first men's home champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976.

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While his best result in Melbourne so far is the round of 16, De Minaur is coming off a solid year where he made the quarter-finals at three of the four Slams. He also qualified for the ATP Finals, reaching a career-high six in the world.

"Honestly, what gives me a sense of calm is knowing the amount of work I've put in behind the scenes," said the 25-year-old.

"Knowing I've put in everything in my power to be ready. "As soon as I walk on this court, I know every single one of you guys (the crowd) has my back, so I'm going to do my best.

"I feel great," he added. "It's been a long time since I felt this good."

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