London, Great Britain, 6 July 2023 | Vivienne Christie

Alex de Minaur will face Matteo Berrettini in the second round of Wimbledon, after a four-set win over Belgian qualifier Kimmer Coppejans.

The Australian No.1 required three hours and 24 minutes to complete the 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 7-6(2) victory in a rain-delayed first round that was contested over two days at the All England Club.

De Minaur admitted that emotions “at times maybe got the better of me” when he returned to Wimbledon’s No.18 court, leading two sets to one against the world No.188 Coppejans.

But the Belgian made him work hard for the victory, rallying back from a 2-4 deficit and after gaining a break for a 5-4 lead, even serving for the fourth set.

A missed forehand from Coppejans erased that opportunity, while De Minaur called on the calm that had helped him reach the final at the ATP 500 tournament at Queen’s.

“I was very impressed with his level throughout the whole match and he made it tough in every stage,” De Minaur admitted.

“He came out to play. I think he played way above his level today and yesterday. I’m very happy to manage to navigate my way through a tough first round.”

> READ: Determined De Minaur eyes deep run at Wimbledon 2023

De Minaur is aiming to improve on last year’s career-best performance at Wimbledon, where he progressed to the fourth round.

He admits he is navigating a tough draw in a fifth main draw campaign at The Championships, as 2021 finalist Berrettini awaits in the second round.

“He’s obviously a very dangerous player who has played some great tennis here. He’s got a massive serve, massive forehand, great slice. So (a) very tricky, tricky opponent,” said De Minaur of the Italian, who sits at world No.38 after a difficult period with injury.

“(He’s) one of those unseeded guys who you probably didn’t want in your section but hey, I knew this coming in. I knew I had a tough section so I’m looking forward to the battle.”

De Minaur was one of three Australians to advance on day four at Wimbledon, with Chris O’Connell and Jason Kubler also booking their place in the second round.

> READ: Courageous Kubler triumphs in five-set battle at Wimbledon

Aussies in action – Wimbledon

RESULTS
Gentlemen’s singles, first round
Jason Kubler (AUS) d Ugo Humbert (FRA) 6-4 4-6 6-2 3-6 6-3
[15] Alex de Minaur (AUS) d [Q] Kimmer Coppejans (BEL) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 7-6(2)
Chris O’Connell (AUS) d [Q] Hamad Medjedovic (SRB) 7-5 6-4 4-6 6-4

Gentlemen’s singles, second round
Quentin Halys (FRA) d Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) 6-3 6-1 6-4

> READ: Purcell and Thompson eliminate dangerous duo in doubles at Wimbledon

COMING UP
Gentlemen’s singles, second round
[15] Alex de Minaur (AUS) v Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 
Chris O’Connell (AUS) v Jiri Vesley (CZE)
Jason Kubler (AUS) v [25] Nicolas Jarry (CHI)

> READ: De Minaur to make mixed doubles debut at Wimbledon

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