De Minaur dispatches McDonald in Melbourne opener

Alex de Minaur defeated lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald 6–2, 6–2, 6–3 in the Australian Open first round. The home favourite completed the match in one hour and forty-two minutes, making an efficient start to his ninth campaign at Melbourne Park.

De Minaur had originally been drawn against Matteo Berrettini, whose injury withdrawal brought McDonald into the field. The Australian established control across the opening two sets and broke immediately in the third, exploiting errors from an opponent pressed to find greater attacking margins.

The world number six finished with thirty-two winners, including thirteen forehands, and said he was working to appreciate his progress while continuing to improve. Serbian Hamad Medjedovic emerged as his next opponent, setting up their first tour-level meeting in the second round.