Wearing a layer of thermals after a lengthy delay at the French Open on Tuesday, Alex de Minaur strode onto arguably the world’s most beautiful grand slam court determined to make a couple of points in Paris. The Australian was pitted against American Alex Michelsen, a powerfully-built emerging talent who had dominated him when they clashed in Mexico earlier this year. Get on board Kayo and watch every game of every round of the NRL + AFL Seasons live and ad break free during play.

New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today > There was a caveat associated with that result, though, for the world No.11 had flown directly from an indoor event in Rotterdam and took to the court with his body clock still set for Europe. This was an opportunity to set the record straight and de Minaur did so ruthlessly when routing the 19-year-old, whose temper frayed badly late in the match, 6-1 6-0 6-2.

“That match I flew from Rotterdam basically the night before from an indoor event to an outdoor event in Mexico,” de Minaur said. “It was quite a quick turnaround, so I probably wasn’t quite ready to play that match, but I definitely was ready today.” PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Alex De Minaur of Australia plays a backhand against Alex Michelsen of United States in the Men's Singles first round match on Day Three of the 2024 French Open at Roland Garros on May 28, 2024 in Paris, France.

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images It was a point delivered with an exclamation mark.