Australian Open tennis news 2025 Alex de Minaur not serving well, says Alex Michelsen ahead of Jannik Sinner showdown

Alex de Minaur’s fourth-round opponent in Melbourne says that while the Australian’s serve is not up to par with some others on tour, he makes up for it with other weapons.

De Minaur dismantled rising American star Alex Michelsen in three sets on Monday night to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with world no. 1 Jannik Sinner in Melbourne Park.

While 20-year-old Michelsen struggled to break de Minaur throughout the match, he later said his opponent’s serve is not a lethal part of his game.

READ MORE: Djokovic beats Alcaraz in ‘one of his biggest wins’

READ MORE: Mother in tears as Demon goes on a date with world no. 1

READ MORE: Insane stakes are at stake as ‘annoyed’ Djoker faces an old battle

He compared it to his three other Australian Open opponents – Stefanos Tsitipas, James McCabe and Karen Khachanov – but says de Minaur has something none of them do.

“I think Alex makes a lot more balls than all three guys I played,” Michelsen said after the game.

“He doesn’t miss a ball, doesn’t give anything for free.

“I think his serve is weaker and I think that’s about it.

“I mean, he’s a lot faster than all of them, moves better. His backhand is absolutely money, don’t miss it. He hit his backhand line super well today… I didn’t expect that, honestly.

“No one really talks about it in the dressing room, that his serve isn’t great.

“But honestly, his second today, he got me in the body so many times. I can’t really say anything about his serve.

Watch the Australian Open live & free on 9Network & 9 Now. Stan Sports is the only place to watch every match without commercials, live & on demand with center court in 4K.

“I played him in Los Cabos last March… his serve has improved a lot since then. He’s definitely improved and that’s why he’s top 10 in the world.

“I think against Sinner he’s going to have to not miss a single ball if he wants to have a chance because Sinner is just incredible.

“With the home crowd I definitely think he has a chance, so we’ll see.”

De Minaur’s first-time percentage on Monday night was below 50 per cent and even the Aussie knows it will have to improve if he plans to get past Sinner.

However, he hit 215km/h with his first serve at one point in the match against Michelsen – a pace that would be lethal if he could hone the accuracy.

LIVE UPDATES: Australian Open 2025 Day 11 Results and Highlights

“I think these numbers are not something I want day in and day out,” de Minaur said.

“The first couple of rounds. where I’m serving at the same pace but I’m still looking at 60 percent…anywhere around that is definitely good serve numbers for me.

“It’s about using that variation and setting up the next shot and keeping your opponents guessing if you’re going to go for the big one down the tee or you’re going to pick up a little speed and go for the short slider, go a place in the body, just keep that variety going.”

Sinner battled illness in the heat during his Monday win over Holger Rune.

The Italian is the reigning men’s champion in Melbourne.