Tennis-Nick who? De Minaur steps out of Kyrgios shadow

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 21, 2023 Australia's Alex de Minaur reacts during his third round match against France's Benjamin Bonzi REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - The loss of Nick Kyrgios to injury robbed the Australian Open of one of its biggest drawcards but it has been a blessing in disguise for Alex De Minaur as fans rally around the home favourite.

The Australian number two soaked up the cheers of a raucous Rod Laver Arena crowd on Saturday as he booked his place in the last 16 for the second year in a row with an emphatic 7-6(0) 6-2 6-1 win over Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi.