Australia’s top-ranked player Alex de Minaur is feeling fit and confident ahead of his home grand slam on Sunday, assuring fans that he has recovered from last year’s “freak” hip injury.
Not since Mark Edmondson’s win in 1976 has an Australian hoisted the men’s singles trophy at Melbourne Park. But de Minaur is confident he will be able to make his mark on this year’s event.
Australia star Alex de Minaur ramps up his Australian Open preparations under the roof at Rod Laver Arena.Credit: Eddie Jim
“I think it’s no secret there’s a big tournament coming up,” he said. “I’m obviously doing my best to be ready [and] be prepared.
“I feel like I’m a better version of myself every year that I’ve come into this tournament. I feel that I’ve improved in many different areas.”
The world’s No.8 men’s player will be aiming to improve on his previous performances at his home slam. Despite making the other three major quarter-finals in 2024, he is yet to progress past the fourth round at the Australian Open.
Alex de Minaur hits up at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open.Credit: Getty Images
His hip injury forced him to the sidelines for a key part of the 2024 season, after he pulled out of a Wimbledon semi-final blockbuster against Novak Djokovic only hours before the match was scheduled.
The Australian star said on Tuesday that he has fully recovered, and is feeling fit ahead of the main draw start on Sunday.
“The biggest thing that’s back is my movement. That’s something that suffered a little bit of a hit after the injury last year,” de Minaur said.
“This is just another year. I’m excited for what’s to come. I’ve been playing some great tennis. The body feels really good.
“… I’ve tweaked a couple of things. I’m trying to get a little bit stronger, trying to get a couple more free points on serve.
“Hopefully I’m a better version of myself than I was last year, and I can go out there play some good tennis, and hopefully go deep in [to the tournament].”
Practice schedules and media commitments ahead of the Australian Open didn’t stop de Minaur from supporting another of the country’s upcoming players.
Lleyton and Cruz Hewitt watch de Minaur at training on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
He was watching on from the player’s box during Cruz Hewitt’s first-round qualification match on Tuesday morning, where the teenager went down 6-1, 6-4 to Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili.
“I’ve been able to hit with [Hewitt] a fair bit throughout the last couple of weeks. I’m sure he’s very excited. It’s a big opportunity for him … and we’re all excited to watch him play,” de Minaur said of the son of Australia’s Davis Cup captain and former world No.1.
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