Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur relocated from Sydney to Europe at the age of 12 with his family chasing a career in tennis. Now the 24-year-old spends his time travelling the world competing in tennis tournaments. He became a Top 10 seed a handful of days before the Australian Open kicked off.
He spoke to The Write Drop about the sacrifices made, the dedication to his craft and why self-belief is most important when it comes to competing. All eyes will be watching the Aussie star who meets Milos Raonic in his first draw game at the AO this evening at Rod Laver Arena.
“I was always an outdoors kid, so whenever I got a chance to be outside and play tennis, it was always my favourite time of the day,” says Alex de Minaur of his childhood obsession.
“It’s pretty crazy that I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do that my whole life. I’m very happy with that,” he says.
The downside is not being able to enjoy family and friends when it suits you.
“You don’t see your family for a very long time [when traveling for work], but ultimately, if you’re in a full, professional schedule, you probably see your family and friends about 50 days of the year,” says de Minaur.
When in town for the AO, he has a soft spot for South Yarra, where he’s based himself over the last seven years. This time he’s saddled in at Ovolo South Yarra.
“It’s a trendy area and the Ovolo is a home away from home,” he says.
Meanwhile the humble champ-in-the-making reveals what he admires about the greats – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
From de Minaur’s perspective, Federer has made tennis seem so effortless when it’s definitely not. “I can say from experience, it’s a lot harder than he makes it look, that’s for sure,” he says.
Nadal has incredible competitive and fighting spirit, while Djokovic has incredible focus “with a mindset that is annoying because he’s so motivated,” says de Minaur. “He’s so good at staying focused and [that] beats the crap out of us young guys.”
De Minaur spoke to Donna Demaio for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Sydney is one of the most picturesque and beautiful cities – but the traffic ain’t great.
FAVOURITE DISH
De Minaur used to enjoy eating a celebratory pizza after each win, but dropped the habit after a run of victories meant he was indulging in pizza too often. He also is very enthusiastic about chef-prepared pasta bolognese. “I don’t trust myself too much in the kitchen. That’s very, very last resort,” he says.
FAVOURITE WINE
De Minaur’s girlfriend, British tennis champ Katie Boulter, who “enjoys a drink every now and again” has introduced him to wine. “I’ve recently been gifted a vintage bottle of Shiraz from the year I was born, so I’m looking forward to cracking that open, once the Aussie Open is done,” he says.
FAVOURITE CAFÉ
De Minaur recalls his first date with Boulter at S.O.S café in Toorak Road, South Yarra four years ago and the buzzy eatery remains a regular haunt.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY
Ovolo South Yarra. “It’s a super private place. If you want to go out there and enjoy some company, it’s next door to all these different restaurants and vibey places. But also, they make you feel at home, which is very nice,” he says.
