Alex de Minaur on his grand slam dream: Some things may happen, some things may not'

"It's hard to think of anyone in tennis who works harder than Alex de Minaur, the Australian who next month will once again carry the hopes of a nation as he tries to become the first home winner of the men's title at the Australian Open for 50 years. No one is faster around the court, no one more diligent off it than the 26-year-old. It's a work ethic that has helped him to 10 titles so far in his career and he ends 2025 as the world No 7, his highest year-end ranking, and having won the prestigious Newcombe medal for a fourth time."

"But in a sport where success at the very top level is ultimately judged by performances at grand slams, De Minaur has so far fallen short. He has made the quarter-finals of a major six times including five of the past eight but with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner having split the last eight majors, opportunities are scarce. The pressure at home to win a big one is immense but with age also comes a little clarity."

"For me, more than anything, it's using that as motivation towards achieving that [a slam title], which is obviously a big goal of mine, but at the same time, accepting that some things may happen, some things may not. Ultimately, I want to be happy with what I do in my career, and that goes down to what I can control. I can't control if I win slams or not. I can control if I get better and I put in the right attitude and effort."

Alex de Minaur is exceptionally hardworking and exceptionally fast on court, a 26-year-old with a strong off-court discipline. His work ethic has delivered 10 career titles, a year-end world No 7 ranking in 2025, and a fourth Newcombe medal. Grand slam success has been elusive despite six major quarter-final appearances, with recent majors dominated by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Domestic pressure to win is intense, but growing clarity and a measured mindset have shifted focus to controllable factors. He prioritizes continual improvement, attitude, and effort while accepting that some outcomes cannot be controlled.

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