"Amid the annual upheaval at the Australian Open, of party courts, one-point fairytales, and ever-expanding festivals, some things don't change. Alex de Minaur has had the same locker every year of the 10 he has played at Melbourne Park, and he once again carries the hopes of home fans into the year's first grand slam. On the Groundhog Day repetition of the international circuit, it's the kind of familiarity that might breed superstition."
"Throughout my career I've tried to stay clear from superstitions, because I think it can consume you, said the man entering the tournament at No 6 as the highest local men's seed in two decades. De Minaur's time on tour has been marked by his consistency to perform at a high level, including the last four years in and around the world's top 10. He has returned to his career-high rank of No 6 this month. But the summit has so far eluded him."
"He has reached the quarter-finals at a grand slam six times including at Melbourne Park last year without being able to take that next step. The defeat at home last year against Jannik Sinner, when the Italian swamped De Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1, was the defending champion's 10th victory in a row against the Australian. Against the other titan of contemporary tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, De Minaur is again winless, this time from five meetings."
Alex de Minaur has had the same locker every year of the 10 he has played at Melbourne Park and enters the Australian Open as the highest local men's seed in two decades at No 6. He is 26 and has spent the last four years around the world's top 10, returning this month to his career-high rank. He has reached six grand-slam quarter-finals, including Melbourne last year, but has not progressed beyond that stage. He lost decisively at home to Jannik Sinner and remains winless against Carlos Alcaraz. He expresses confidence in expanding his creativity and net play to find a new level.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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