Mexico Open: Alex de Minaur and John Millman crash out despite brave effort

Lucie Bertoldo

Mexico Open: Alex de Minaur and John Millman crash out despite brave effort image

Australia’s Alex de Minaur has been knocked out of the Mexican Open quarter-finals, suffering a straight sets defeat to fellow Next Gen star Alexander Zverev.

The 21-year-old German didn't face a single break point and blasted 13 aces en route to his 6-4 6-4 victory over the Australian talent.

The number two seed took one hour and 16 minutes to defeat the Demon, converting both of his break point opportunities and hit 25 winners.

MORE: Nick Kyrgios fires back at Rafael Nadal's 'lacks respect' comments following upset Mexican Open result | Roger Federer sees off Fucsovics to reach Dubai Championships final four

In comparison, De Minaur only hit one ace and 4 winners in his fourth loss to the world No.3.

Later in the evening, compatriot John Millman's brave effort wasn't enough to overcome world number nine John Isner in a to-the-death 6-7 7-6 6-7 defeat.

Down 3-1 in the second set tiebreak, Millman kept his hopes alive by scoring six of the next seven points in an emphatic comeback.

But his tournament came undone after a rare double-fault in the third set tiebreak that saw Isner close the deal.

The American will take on the last of the surviving Australian trio in Nick Kyrgios who battled cramping to defeat Stan Wawrinka 7-5 6-7 6-4.

Kyrgios' night was full of drama, involving a dispute with the crowd and chair umpire, but he showed exciting signs of mental toughness to keep his composure and edge towards another ATP title.

Kyrgios and Isner will meet on Saturday 3pm (AEDT) for a place in the final.

 

 

 

Lucie Bertoldo