- It has been 50 years since an Australian won the men’s singles tournament at the Australian Open.
- Next week, world number 8 Alex De Minaur hopes to break that long wait.
- But he remains cautious in the face of several obstacles that stand in his way.
Alex de Minaur is careful not to be seduced by his top eight position at the Australian Open, saying it guarantees nothing.
While finishing as the eighth seed boosts De Minaur’s growing confidence, the 25-year-old says there are too many landmines in the Open draw to get much out of it.
His high position means the Australian will not face anyone ranked above him until at least the quarter-finals.
This adds to the growing expectations and excitement around De Minaur, seen as the best local opportunity in the men’s singles draw since Lleyton Hewitt reached the 2005 final.
“It’s a good feeling coming in. Obviously I have to worry about what’s happening on my side of the court and focus on myself,” he told reporters Tuesday.
‘In a way it means you’re somewhat protected. If you look at the grand scheme of things, you won’t be playing against a player ranked higher than you until a certain stage.
Alex De Minaur has revealed some of his biggest concerns ahead of the Australian Open, as the tennis star is very concerned that there may be some tough opponents in the draw.
It’s been an exciting few months for Alex De Minaur, particularly popping the question to his long-term girlfriend, Katie Boulter.
The affable Australian is being touted as one of this year’s big contenders to win the men’s singles title. If he succeeds, he will be the first Australian in 50 years to win the title.
‘It’s better than the alternative, but at the same time it doesn’t mean anything. Nothing is guaranteed.
“You still have to beat everyone, they are all extremely dangerous, the environment is very open and anything can happen on any given day.”
While De Minaur has fallen in the fourth round at the last three Australian Opens, he reached the quarterfinals at the other three Grand Slam tournaments last year.
He feels like a different player compared to 12 months ago, especially after overcoming the hip injury that forced him to abandon the Paris Olympic Games.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve been very proud of my efforts throughout, especially at the end when I wasn’t feeling physically in my best shape,” he said.
‘I learned that I could still do a lot with my game and the confidence I had gained since the start of the year really helped me.
“I feel like I’m a different player than last year, a better version of myself. I just want to keep improving and keep showing what I can do, day after day, and I hope the results come.”
Being the main local hope means more attention and demands on De Minaur’s time.
Being the top local hope comes with a lot of pressure, but De Mianur admits it is very exciting to be in Melbourne this week for their big home tournament.
The Australian is unsure whether he and his British fiancée Katie Boulter will enter the mixed doubles draw at the Open.
She joined compatriot and Australian Open wildcard Ajla Tomljanovic on Tuesday morning in Melbourne’s CBD for a promotion with Open sponsor Wilson.
“You know, in this previous week there’s always a little more going on than normal,” he said.
“But you’re on your home slam, so it’s expected.” At the same time, I feel very good about myself… I’m almost looking forward to the Open starting now.’
The Australian is still unsure whether he and his British fiancée Katie Boulter will take part in the mixed doubles draw at the Open.
‘Mixed doubles are a lot of fun. “It’s just hard when you know that singles are the priority for both of us,” she said.
“We don’t want to do anything that could jeopardize our individual results, whether it’s a little fatigue from spending more hours on the court.
“If anything, it will be a last-minute decision.”