De Minaur crushes Kasnikowski to put Australia 1-0 up on Poland

Alex de Minaur put Australia ahead in their Davis Cup tie against Poland with a one-sided win over Maks Kasnikowski at Pat Rafter Arena on Saturday.

The world No 9 beat the world No 231 6-3, 6-0, needing barely more than an hour to seal the opening rubber and give the home side the early advantage in the World Group I fixture.

De Minaur arrived in Brisbane looking to shake off the disappointment of a second-round exit at the US Open, and according to Australian Associated Press he used the tie to work through that frustration in emphatic fashion.

Poland's tie-opening pick of Kasnikowski, ranked well outside the top 200, offered little resistance once De Minaur found his rhythm, with the Australian racing through the second set without dropping a game.

The result leaves Australia in control of a tie they need to win, with the format continuing on Saturday as James Duckworth takes on Kamil Majchrzak at the same Brisbane venue.

Duckworth's match represents the second singles rubber of the day, and a win would put Australia within touching distance of victory in the tie before Sunday's remaining matches are required.

Australia's position at the top of the tie score gives them the chance to close it out without needing a decisive live doubles or reverse singles rubber, though Poland will look to Majchrzak to level matters against Duckworth and keep their hopes alive heading into the second day of the contest at Pat Rafter Arena.