Alex de Minaur roars back to life with thumping Davis Cup victory

Alex de Minaur has taken his frustrations out in a Davis Cup thumping to put Australia up 1-0 in their must-win Brisbane tie against Poland.

The world No.9, keen to rediscover his mojo after a disappointing second-round US Open loss, lit up Pat Rafter Arena on Saturday afternoon with a dominant 6-3 6-0 defeat of world No.231 Maks Kasnikowski.

The match lasted 56 minutes and de Minaur lost just six points in the second set as the Australian No.1 found range on his serve, angles from the baseline and got to the net to finish points with authority.

He roared after breaking for the first time in the fourth game and then, after a tight call went against him with his tail up at 4-1, steadied with back-to-back aces.

Kasnikowski saved two set points on serve and forced de Minaur to serve out the first set, which he did with ease before breaking instantly to set the tone for a one-sided second set.

“I’ve missed playing on this court and it was a great atmosphere, let’s keep it going, let’s have a good day,” de Minaur said.

“As a kid this is all I ever wanted. To be able to step out on this court, get those goosebumps, that energy ... it’s a feeling I can’t put into words.

Brisbane favourite James Duckworth will play the impressive Kamil Majchrzak in Saturday’s second match, before Sunday’s doubles and reverse singles.

Australia were upset in Ecuador earlier this year and must win this clash to progress to next year’s qualifying round, where they can then book a place in the eight-team finals in Italy in November.