'I would be in Craig Tiley's office': Wally Masur urges Alex de Minaur to play more daytime matches
Wally Masur has urged Alex de Minaur to do what he can to play as many Australian Open matches as possible during the daytime sessions at Rod Laver Arena.
During his exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday night, the topic of the conditions at the main arena at Melbourne Park.
That's when Masur - a former world No.15 who featured in three grand slam semi finals - explained why Australia's top-ranked player should look to feature when the sun is up.
READ MORE: 'Real Zerafa' flicks a switch during fiery Tszyu weigh in
READ MORE: Aussie nightmare as withdrawal, savage draw wreak havoc
READ MORE: Adelaide captain hits back at Cavallo over 'internal homophobia'
Alex de Minaur arrives for his exhibition match. Getty
"If I was Alex, I'd have my manager in there or I'd be there in [tournament director] Craig Tiley's office trying to play as often as I can in the day" Masur said on Nine.
"He's a player that doesn't mind the heat, doesn't mind the variables.
"When this court is cold, it's heavy and it favours the clay-court style of players."
Jelena Dokic echoed those sentiments and admitted she enjoyed playing at Rod Laver Arena far more during the day when she was at the height of her career.
"I really agree with that," she said.
"I found that as well when I played on Rod Laver Arena during the day, it was such a big difference compared to the evening sessions.
Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.
Rod Laver Arena during last year's Australian Open. Getty
"I think with Alex's game, it's also the way that he plays - he needs faster conditions so that ball he hits flat skids through. He would prefer to play during the day."
While it's unlikely to happen given the fact de Minaur is now one of the tournament's biggest drawcards, it could be to his benefit as he looks to overcome a horror draw.
The world No.6 will face former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the first round and if things fall in place, de Minaur could meet Alcaraz again in the quarter finals.
