After taking home the lightning bolt trophy at the UTS Grand Final in December for the third time -- explaining that the fast format suits his game and "brings the best tennis out of me" -- De Minaur officially kicked off the new season as a member of Team Australia at the United Cup. The team event allowed him to do two of his favorite things: play in front of an Australian crowd and "represent the green and gold."
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.
I don't know how many times I can deal with a loss like this one, de Minaur said in Turin. I just have to talk to my team and try to sort out these issues because these are issues that can't keep happening. I mean, if I really want to be serious about taking the next step in my career, these matches, I can't lose them. I just can't.
Yet, it wasn't going to be easy, given that Zverev was the one standing in the way. The world No. 3 has been absolutely untouchable in this setting, going undefeated as a member of Team Europe in the five previous Laver Cups that he's played. The German also boasts a decided head-to-head advantage 8-2 over the Australian, who was a last minute replacement for Team World after American Frances Tiafoe bowed out due to injury.
