Despite a tough loss in the United Cup, Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur has received an unexpected vote of confidence from former world No. 1 and compatriot Lleyton Hewitt. De Minaur showcased his return to form after battling a hip injury, while Hewitt expressed belief in de Minaur's potential to win the upcoming Australian Open. The young player’s determination and recovery were on full display during the competition, even though Australia was eliminated by Team GB, led by Katie Boulter’s impressive performance.

De Minaur's Return to Form After Injury Woes

In recent matches, de Minaur demonstrated remarkable resilience and fitness, signaling his readiness for the Australian Open. Despite being knocked out of the United Cup, he showed significant improvement in his movement and overall play. De Minaur secured a convincing victory in singles and contributed to a mixed doubles win with Olivia Gadecki. However, it wasn’t enough to save the team from elimination due to Boulter’s dominant performance against Gadecki.

The World No. 9 expressed relief and excitement about regaining his pre-injury form. He emphasized how long it took to recover fully, particularly focusing on his movement, which had been severely impacted by the hip injury. “I’ve got my legs back, everybody. I’m back,” de Minaur declared, highlighting the joy of playing pain-free and moving swiftly on court. This comeback marks a crucial turning point for the young star, who now aims to leverage this momentum at the Australian Open.

Hewitt's Optimism for De Minaur's Grand Slam Ambitions

Lleyton Hewitt, serving as the Australian team captain, voiced strong support for de Minaur’s chances at the Australian Open. Hewitt acknowledged the challenges de Minaur faced during his recovery and praised his unwavering commitment. The former champion believes that de Minaur’s recent performances indicate he is ready to compete at the highest level. Hewitt highlighted the importance of enjoying the moment and embracing the home crowd’s support.

No Australian male player has reached the final of the Australian Open since Hewitt in 2005. Hewitt urged de Minaur to focus on navigating through the early rounds and making a deep run into the tournament. “Alex has got as good a shot as anyone of going deep at the Australian Open,” Hewitt said. The veteran also reminisced about the thrill of competing in front of a home crowd, emphasizing the significance of such moments for any athlete. With Hewitt’s backing, de Minaur seems poised to make a memorable impact at Melbourne Park.