Alex de Minaur continued his strong run of form by defeating world number two Carlos Alcaraz in a highly entertaining Australian Open charity match at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night.
Both players brought their signature game to the two-hour exhibition – part of AO's opening week, presented by the Herald Sun – as the Australian world No.10 beat his Spanish rival 6-4, 5-7 (10-3). ).
“I'm very happy,” De Minaur said on the field after the match. “2024 has been very good for me, and I hope I can continue like this. I am pushing myself every day, and I hope the sky is the limit.
De Minaur defeated Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in United Cup matches last week, in a promising introduction to the Open.
A near-full Rod Laver Arena – featuring Lleyton Hewitt in De Minaur's corner – was behind both players to create an electric atmosphere.
The young players participated in fun on-court interviews and interacted with the crowd between serves, but they used all their weapons during play to deliver a high-quality match.
De Minaur said the event was “a great way to prepare for the Australian Open” and support “a great charity”.
Ten-time Open champion Djokovic will host a huge show Thursday night on Rod Laver Arena as AO's opening week continues.
He will be joined by fellow defending 2023 champion Aryna Sabalenka, Greek stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, and famous players from other sports who have not yet been revealed.
Most tickets to the charity match – and another scheduled for Friday night featuring Alcaraz and Casper Ruud – cost just $20, with proceeds going to children's charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation.
Millman wins first Australian Open qualifying match
John Millman maintained his dream of playing in the final of the Australian Open tennis tournament, today, Wednesday, by defeating Italian Alessandro Giannisi 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of qualifying in front of large crowds.
The Australian favorite will retire after the Australian Open, and now needs two more qualifying wins to make the main draw.
“I'm not an emotional guy, but before I came out for it, I was a bit emotional,” the 34-year-old said.
“I've been doing this since I finished high school and I've been living a dream I had as a kid. Nothing can really prepare you (for what the final could be).
“The crowd was amazing – for the qualifying game, it was almost full. I'm so grateful for the support I receive here year after year.”
Millman is scheduled to face Slovakia's Alex Molkan in the second round of qualifying on Thursday, concluding his three-way bout in the Australian qualifier on Court 3 alongside 19-year-old Talia Gibson and Melbourne-based Storm Hunter.
Hunter – who was recently crowned the world's best doubles player – praised the new opening week concept to attract more fans to qualifying matches.
“I've played in the playoffs for many years and I've never seen a crowd like the one we came out to here today,” she said after her first-round win on Wednesday.
“It was very loud and very fun.”
Melbourne players Omar Gastica and Destani Aiava will also continue their quest to qualify for the Australian Open on Thursday, along with teenagers Maya Joynt, Melissa Ercan and Edward Winter.
Kyrgios meets Rod Laver with Djokovic
Despite having to withdraw from the Australian Open due to injury, Nick Kyrgios will meet Novak Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena – for a podcast.
Kyrgios will interview the world number one on a live episode of his new radio show Good Trouble, after a charity match on Thursday night.
The 28-year-old will also speak to players taking part in open training sessions on Center Court on Friday afternoon – which fans can access with an opening week ground ticket, costing $10 for adults and $5 for children.
He will provide commentary for the Australian Open draw – which takes place from 1pm on Thursday at Melbourne Park and will be broadcast on AO YouTube – in preparation for his upcoming commentary role with Eurosport throughout the main tournament.
The former Wimbledon runner-up's podcast will premiere on January 24, with fellow tennis players Naomi Osaka and Frances Tiafoe, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, and boxer Mike Tyson among the confirmed guests.
“I can't wait for my new series to come out,” Kyrgios said.
“It's been tough for me being out the last year or so, dealing with injury, but I've had a lot of fun commentating and developing my own talk show.
“We have a host of guest stars for season one and I can't wait for everyone to check it out.”
Kyrgios teamed up with Hana Koma, the production company co-founded by Naomi Osaka and her long-time agent, Stuart Duguid, to produce Good Trouble.
Darren Pearce, chief content officer at Tennis Australia, said the organization supported the project, saying: “Developing new audiences, promoting new platforms and finding new voices in tennis is critical to the continued success of the sport. Nick does it all naturally.
“We are focused on innovation and are willing to push the boundaries, where we can, in a sport that is still very traditional. Nick brings an edge, whether it's on or off the field. He excites new fans and creates more interest in the game.”
Serious knee and wrist injuries kept the former world No. 13 off the field for more than a year.
Other opening week perks include access to Australian Open qualifying matches, public training sessions with the world's best players, tennis racket giveaways for kids, the opportunity to watch player interviews live in the Fan Zone and early access to select Australian Open food outlets.
The main draw for the Australian Open begins on January 14.
ausopen.com
Originally published as Alex de Minaur defeats Carlos Alcaraz in a charity match for AO's opening week
