'Can't believe it': Aussie teen stuns World No.46 in Sydney
17-year-old Alex De Minaur has caused a major boilover at the Sydney International, beating Frenchman Benoit Paire in just his second match on the senior tour.
De Minaur, ranked 333 in the world, overcame his highly ranked opponent in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-1) in one hour and 44 minutes.
BRIGHT FUTURE: Who is Alex De Minaur?
ANTI-TRUMP: Kyrgios makes political statement at Fast4
The Aussie looked completely outmatched as he dropped the second set, but showed incredible determination to take the match in a deciding set tiebreak against his tiring opponent.
De Minaur in action. Image: Getty
"I can't believe it. It was a very long match with plenty of ups and downs but I'll take it, I couldn't be any happier right now," he said afterwards.
"I knew he was gonna come up with some unbelievable shots but also some cheap ones.
"I'd like to thank everybody for coming out and the support was unbelievable."
De Minaur, who has been awarded a wildcard into the 2017 Australian Open, dazzled fans through qualifying for the Brisbane International last week when he upset 2015 Sydney runner-up Mikhail Kukushkin.
Another important step in the flourishing career @alexdeminaur wins 1st @ATPWorldTour main draw in his home town @SydneyTennis
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) January 10, 2017
The Wimbledon junior finalist in 2016 went down to Mischa Zverev in his tour debut, but didn't take long to claim his first senior win on the men's tournament in his hometown on Tuesday.
De Minaur (R) was runner-up in the junior Wimbledon final in 2016. Image: Getty
De Minaur received some invaluable Davis Cup experience in September alongside captain Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic.
Lots of fun being able to train with Rochey this week @JamesDuck21 @MattReid12345 @alexdeminaur @PeterLuczak pic.twitter.com/e9jjfzdmml
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) September 17, 2016
Hewitt doubled as De Minaur's mentor and was courtside at Ken Rosewell Arena on day three.
"It helps me relax a bit and just makes sure I focus on the next point," said De Minaur.
"That helps me just play the match point by point and not get too ahead of myself. It's great to have him out there every match, just supporting me, in my corner.
"He's just pretty much told me to believe I can beat these guys. That goes a long way. It's important to not get out there already beaten on court."
De Minaur's round-two match-up will be Andrey Kuznetsov, who has progressed after the retirement of seventh seed Martin Klizan, while trailing 3-0 in the deciding third set.
It wasn't as good a day for fellow Aussie teen Destanee Aiava, who dropped her opening match at the Kooyong Classic.
with AAP
Watch the Sydney International and Kooyong Classic LIVE on the screens of Seven including the 7Tennis App and PLUS7.