Australian tennis players made a strong showing at the US Open, with Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, and Maya Joint all advancing past the first round. De Minaur, Australia’s top-ranked player, defeated compatriot Chris O’Connell in a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory, showcasing his dominance without facing a single break point.
De Minaur’s victory sets the stage for a potential back-to-back quarterfinal appearance, a feat he has yet to achieve at any major tournament. The eighth seed will next face Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki, ranked 112th in the world. Reflecting on his win, De Minaur expressed the difficulty of playing against a fellow Australian, especially one dealing with an oblique injury.
“It’s never easy playing a fellow Aussie, a fellow mate,” De Minaur said. Despite the competitive spirit, he found time to enjoy New York’s vibrant atmosphere, visiting Old Mates Pub in Manhattan. “It’s great to have a little bit of home,” he added, recommending the pub’s sausage rolls and meat pies.
Alexei Popyrin’s Challenge Ahead
Meanwhile, Alexei Popyrin secured his place in the second round with a straight-sets victory over Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori, winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7/3). Popyrin’s performance was marked by 10 aces and 44 winners, setting up a challenging match against world number one Jannik Sinner. This encounter will be a test of Popyrin’s resilience, as he previously defeated Sinner at the Madrid Masters in 2021.
Despite the daunting task, Popyrin remains unfazed. “If you want to win these tournaments, you have to beat one of these players at some point,” he stated confidently. His approach to handling the pressures of professional tennis includes a unique mix of science fiction books and Ed Sheeran’s music, which he credits for helping him manage burnout.
Maya Joint’s Breakthrough
Maya Joint celebrated her first major win of 2025 by defeating Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva 6-4, 7-6(8/6). Joint, who started the year ranked 684th, has rapidly climbed the rankings, now sitting at world number 43. Her victory over Kasintseva was a significant milestone, especially after falling in the first round of the year’s previous three majors.
Joint’s success story is one of perseverance and talent, having secured her first two WTA titles on clay in Morocco and grass at Eastbourne. Her rise has been closely watched by her Billie Jean King Cup teammate Ajla Tomljanović, who believes Joint’s potential is limitless.
“There is no ceiling on what she might achieve,” Tomljanović remarked, highlighting Joint’s impressive temperament and skill.
Other Australian Performances
Tristan Schoolkate joined the ranks of advancing Australians with a marathon win over Lorenzo Sonego. After a grueling four-hour-and-18-minute match, Schoolkate emerged victorious with a 6-3, 7-6(10/8), 1-6, 1-6, 7-6(10/8) scoreline. His ability to regain composure in the fifth set tiebreak was crucial to his success.
Ajla Tomljanović is also in the spotlight as she prepares to face third seed Coco Gauff on Arthur Ashe Stadium. A win would add her name to the list of Australian successes at this year’s tournament.
The performances of these Australian players not only highlight their individual talents but also underscore the strength of Australian tennis on the global stage. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these athletes to see if they can continue their impressive runs and make deeper inroads at the US Open.
