Rod Laver to Alex de Minaur: You are definitely on right road

Australian tennis legend Rod Laver has encouraged rising star Alex de Minaur to continue working hard as he insists the 19-year-old is on the right road. De Minaur, who is enjoying his career-high ranking of No. 29 in the world, is currently the top-ranked Australian male tennis player.

The Australian has made a good start to the season as he captured his maiden ATP title at the Sydney International before the opening Grand Slam of the season. The 19-year-old was motivated to make a deep run at Melbourne Park this year and beat some top names — but fell short in his attempt.

De Minaur beat Pedro Sousa and Henri Laaksonen in his opening two matches at Melbourne Park before he lost to 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. Nadal, ranked at No. 2 in the world, handed a 6-1 6-2 6-4 loss to the 19-year-old.

Alex, Youve come along way since this pic was taken at the AO last year on your making the Davis Cup team. I remember a teenage Rafa going down to Lleyton in the 3rd round back in 2004.

And look what Rafas done since. Youre definitely on the right road. pic.twitter.com/q84rnrzDkN Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 18, 2019 De Minaur was playing in the Australian Open main draw for the third time in his career.

The Australian will be leaving the Australian Open with a career-best result achieved at Melbourne Park. In his previous two Australian Open appearances, de Minaur lost in the second round two years ago before he was beaten in his opener a year ago respectively.

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