Under significant pressure in New York on Saturday, Alex de Minaur kicked into gear to outlast German Daniel Altmaier to reach the second week of the US Open.
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The sole Australian left alive at Flushing Meadows after Daria Kasatkina fell to Naomi Osaka in three sets, de Minaur trailed a set and faced break points early in the second against a player who had prevailed in two marathons already this week.
The No.8 seed held firm and ground down an opponent running on fumes, who retired with what appeared a leg injury early in the fourth set when trailing 6-7 (7) 6-3 6-4 2-0.
A golden opportunity now awaits de Minaur, who is seeking to reach the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the third time. He faces Swiss qualifier Leandro Reidi, who is enjoying the tournament of his life and progressed when Kamil Majchrzak retired while trailing 3-5.
Reidi is ranked 435 in the world but is far more talented.
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A couple of years ago in Wimbledon qualifying, he upset Thanasi Kokkinakis when the South Australian was in good form after performing well at Roland Garros.
The US Open prospects aside, it is an important win for de Minaur, as it firms up his prospects of playing in the season-ending championships in Turin.
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