Alex de Minaur has touched down in Sydney, embodying a blend of relief and palpable excitement. Fresh off a grueling fortnight at the US Open, where he reached the quarterfinals before being ousted by the formidable Félix Auger-Aliassime, the Australian tennis star wasted no time pivoting his focus toward the Davis Cup. De Minaur knows that the key to success in such a competitive sport is to let go of past disappointments and quickly shift gears. “Have the memory of a goldfish and move on quickly,” he declared in a candid interview with Beln Sports. This mindset is crucial as he gears up for the upcoming challenges ahead.
He isn’t alone on this journey; several of his fellow Australians, including Jordan Thompson and Alexei Popyrin, also made significant strides in New York. This collective success has sparked excitement and optimism within the Australian camp as they prepare for a challenging tie against Belgium. “As a team, as a nation, over the last couple of years we’ve shown that we’re a force to be reckoned with,” De Minaur emphasized. The chemistry among the players is palpable, with De Minaur expressing confidence in their shared commitment to play with “a lot of pride and a lot of passion.” The prospect of competing on home soil adds to their motivation, as the crowd’s support can be a game-changer.
At just 26, De Minaur has ascended to the role of leader within the Australian Davis Cup squad, a position he embraces wholeheartedly. “We love playing for our country. We understand the responsibility of putting on the green and gold,” he stated. Once the players step onto the court, they are united in their determination to fight for every point. De Minaur highlighted the importance of camaraderie, noting that the team dynamic during these weeks stands in stark contrast to the often solitary nature of professional tennis. “These weeks, you get to come together as a team, and it’s definitely a different dynamic, which I think we all enjoy a lot,” he shared. The shared experiences, from team dinners to playful banter, foster an environment where each player is motivated to win not just for themselves but for their teammates.
For De Minaur, the Davis Cup represents the pinnacle of his career aspirations. “For me, the ultimate goal is to lift the Davis Cup title. That’s been a priority of mine for my whole career,” he admitted, reflecting on Australia’s near misses in recent years, including two finals and a semifinal appearance. This history only fuels his determination to improve and deliver crucial victories for his team and nation. “I’m going to do my best to keep on improving and get to the stage where I can give my team, my country, those important points,” he vowed.
The current landscape of men’s tennis, dominated by rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, serves as both a challenge and a motivator for De Minaur. He recognizes them as the new gold standard in the sport. “These two have been at the top of our sport for a couple of years now. They’re playing for the biggest titles. They’re the ultimate competition,” he acknowledged. Rather than feeling daunted, De Minaur views this as an opportunity to elevate his game. “A couple of months ago, I said I felt like I was getting towards the peak of my career,” he reflected. His commitment to continuous improvement is unwavering, as he prepares to face the competition head-on.
As the Davis Cup tie approaches, the atmosphere in Sydney only amplifies De Minaur’s enthusiasm. “It’s super special. I’ve said it before—it’s my favourite court to play on. It’s treated me really well over the years,” he said, eagerly anticipating the energy of the crowd on match day. The chance to reconnect with family adds a personal touch to his experience, as he plans to savor the beauty of Sydney while balancing his competitive spirit. “I’d love to go and see my family—I’ve got some here. I don’t get the chance to be here nearly as much as I’d like to, so I’ll enjoy this beautiful city,” he concluded, embodying both a fierce competitor and a devoted family member as he embarks on this next chapter in his career.
