<p>Local hope Alex de Minaur said he has never felt better after getting his <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/australian-open-rohan-bopanna-crashes-out-of-the-opening-round-23464937" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>Australian Open</strong></a> off to a flying start Tuesday in the pursuit of a near-five-decade first.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The eighth seed raced through the first set against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp but was then made to sweat.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But he kept calm to clock a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 victory as he bids to become the first men&rsquo;s home champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><strong><a class="title" href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/teen-stuns-ninth-seed-rublev-23464938" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Teen stuns ninth seed Rublev</a></strong></p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/bhambri-prevails-in-auckland-balaji-exits-from-adelaide-intl-23461372" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>ATP</strong></a> Finals, reaching a career-high six in the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Honestly, what gives me a sense of calm is knowing the amount of work I&rsquo;ve put in behind the scenes,&rdquo; said the 25-year-old.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Knowing I&rsquo;ve put in everything in my power to be ready. &ldquo;As soon as I walk on this court, I know every single one of you guys (the crowd) has my back, so I&rsquo;m going to do my best.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I feel great,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a long time since I felt this good.&rdquo;</p>
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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

Winning start for local hope

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Winning start for local hope

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