The seeds lie in wait for Alex de Minaur, who strode through his second round match at the Australian Open on Thursday, defeating American qualifier Tristan Boyer 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 in just under two hours on Rod Laver Arena.

Australia’s main hope of breaking a 49-year drought in the men’s singles at Melbourne Park now meets 31st seed Francisco Cerundolo. A possible quarter-final match up looms against world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who plays local wildcard Tristan Schoolkate on Thursday night.

De Minaur was largely untroubled by his opponent on a sunny but cool Melbourne afternoon. The No 8 seed overcame an early break of serve to accelerate away from Boyer, hitting 23 winners and producing just 15 unforced errors. Although he wasn’t broken again after that early blip, the Australian’s serve has room for improvement, after he landed barely more than half his first serves.

The Australian said Boyer was a newcomer to the tour and was a “dangerous player” but he tried to focus on himself. “Ultimately it was about me bringing the best version of myself, that’s what I needed to do and I’m happy with that.”

De Minaur has now won his first two matches without dropping a set, and a hip injury that plagued him last year looks behind him. Ahead stands Cerundolo, who progressed against countryman Facundo Diaz Acosta, who retired injured.

The pair have never played, but the Australian knows his potential. “Be ready for a battle,” De Minaur told the Rod Laver Arena crowd of the match up likely to be played on Saturday. “It’s going to be tough, he’s a quality opponent, lots of firepower, and a great forehand. He’s taken some big scalps and hopefully I’m not the next one.”

Boyer’s defeat ended a successful run in Australia. The 23-year-old won through qualifying, then upset Federico Coria in a first round five-setter to record his best performance at a grand slam.

The world No 136 has done it despite distractions. His hometown of Altadena in California has been heavily affected by recent wildfires. Friends and family are homeless and his father was forced to evacuate.

De Minaur said he hopes the dangers would soon pass and expressed sympathy for those affected. “It’s something you hate to see, you never want to see, and I’m sending lots of love all the way there,” he said.