Alex de Minaur has cruised into the round of 32 at the BNP Paribas Open after smashing Taro Daniel in straight sets.
The Australian, who claimed his eighth career title last week at the Mexican Open, proved far too strong for his Japanese opponent as he prevailed 6-1, 6-2 in under an hour at Indian Wells.
Alex de Minaur defeats Taro Daniel at Indian Wells Open to advance into next round
De Minaur broke early and often against the overwhelmed Daniel as the Aussie converted five of his six break points to romp to victory.
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The win in California has now set up a meeting with either No. 20 seed Alexander Bublik or qualifier Juncheng Shang for a spot in the round of 16.
The world number 10 has won his last six matches in a row and looks in confident nick after defending his Acapulco title against Casper Ruud.
During that title run he also beat Daniel, as well as Sebastian Ofner, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jack Draper.
Indian Wells Open results: Australians crash out in California
It wasn’t such a successful day for the other Aussies in the tournament as Thanasi Kokkinakis and Chris O'Connell both crashed out in straight sets.
Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner made light work of Kokkinakis as he claimed a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Alexander Zverev got the better of O'Connell, winning 6-4, 6-4.
Meanwhile, the big-serving Aussie Aleksandar Vukic will face Novak Djokovic for a chance to join De Minaur in the next round.
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Alex de Minaur results
| Date | Opponent/Result | Tournament/Round |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1, 2024 | def. Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 | United Cup (group stage) |
| Jan. 3, 2024 | def. Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 | United Cup (QF) |
| Jan. 6, 2024 | def. Alexander Zverev 5-7 6-3 6-4 | United Cup (SF) |
| Jan. 10, 2024 | def. Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-7 10-3 | Charity Match |
| Jan. 15, 2024 | def. Milos Raonic 6-7(6) 6-3 2-0 | Aus. Open (R1) |
| Jan. 17, 2024 | def. Matteo Arnaldi 6-3 6-0 6-3 | Aus. Open (R2) |
| Jan. 19, 2024 | def. Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-3 6-1 | Aus. Open (R3) |
| Jan. 21, 2024 | def. by Andrey Rublev 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-0 | Aus. Open (R4) |
| Feb. 13, 2024 | def. Sebastian Korda 6-4 6-3 | Rotterdam (R1) |
| Feb. 15, 2024 | def. David Goffin 6-3 6-1 | Rotterdam (R2) |
| Feb. 17, 2024 | def. Andrey Rublev 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3 | Rotterdam (QF) |
| Feb. 18, 2024 | def. Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-3 | Rotterdam (SF) |
| Feb. 19, 2024 | def. by Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-4 | Rotterdam (F) |
| Feb. 22, 2024 | def. by Alex Michelsen 6-4 6-1 | Los Cabos (R1) |
| Feb. 26, 2024 | def. Taro Daniel 6-2 6-1 | Mexican Open (R1) |
| Feb. 29, 2024 | def. Sebastian Ofner 6-1 6-3 | Mexican Open (R2) |
| Mar. 1, 2024 | def. Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-6 6-3 6-3 | Mexican Open (QF) |
| Mar. 2, 2024 | def. Jack Draper 6-3 2-6 4-0 ret. | Mexican Open (SF) |
| Mar. 3, 2024 | def. Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 | Mexican Open (F) |
| Mar. 9, 2024 | def. Taro Daniel 6-1 6-2 | Indian Wells (R1) |