Alex de Minaur had one message for fans following his clinical victory over Great Britain’s Billy Harris on Wednesday night – “I’m back.”
The usually modest 25-year-old was fired up on Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena as he attempted to keep Australia’s United Cup campaign alive with a performance that included impressive cross-court scrambles, lobs and serving speeds almost 15km/h faster than his average.
Even Australia’s elimination from the tournament during the mixed doubles later that night could not dampen de Minaur’s excitement at having rediscovered the career-best form he was in before an injury at Wimbledon disrupted his season.
“This was the old me,” de Minaur said after the match. “I’ve got my legs back, everybody. I’m back.”
Team Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt encourages Alex de Minaur.Credit: Getty Images
He elaborated on that statement in the post-match media conference, explaining why that one moment from his victory over Harris had meant so much to him.
“I struggled with an injury that sidelined me and took away one of my biggest assets, which was my movement,” he said.
“It took me a very long time to get back, and it was safe to say it had been a long time since I’d felt my feet moving as quickly as they did today. Doing all that without pain was a really good feeling.
“It gave me some goosebumps because it felt good to finally be back at that level.”
Despite the injury, de Minaur has still had time to work on parts of his game, including his serve, which hit a top speed of 213km/h on Wednesday night.
“I got sick and tired of everyone saying I don’t have a big enough first serve,” de Minaur said. “So, I did my best, I tried to get a little bit more muscle into me.”
Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt said few knew how hard 2024 had been for the world No.9.
“I’m just so happy for Alex to be back playing like he wants to play again,” Hewitt said. “It’s only probably his close-knit group who know what he’s been dealing with and how frustrating that’s been.
“He still kept showing up and gave 100 per cent and didn’t make excuses. The last week or so that he’s been here training and doing the hard work has been great to see.
“Being pain-free and being able to move freely out on the court [is when] everything else starts coming together. Like he always says, it’s about embracing this month of the year and enjoying the moments.”
When asked if de Minaur could be the first Australian man to make an Australian Open final since he did it 20 years earlier, Hewitt said: “Alex has got as good a shot as anyone of going deep at the Australian Open.
“But first things first, you’ve got to get there and take care of business and hopefully navigate your way into the second week of the slam. Then anything can happen.”
