“I’m living my dream”: De Minaur on cracking the top 10, facing Raonic at Australian Open
Alex de Minaur shares what it feels like to have made the world’s top 10, and how he plans to beat Milos Raonic at the Australian Open next week
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The tennis season is not yet two weeks old, but so far one player has stood head and shoulders above the rest: Alex de Minaur.
The Australian has had a ripping start to the year, with three consecutive top 10 wins over Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, which saw him enter the top 10 himself for the first time. To top it off, de Minaur toppled world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz as well earlier this week in the Kooyong Classic, an exhibition tournament in Melbourne.
Ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, the world No 10 is now a dark horse to go deep in the tournament, and has shared on media day at Melbourne Park what his latest achievement means to him.
“I’ve achieved a massive milestone” – de Minaur
“It’s been a great start to the year. So far 2024 has been very nice to me,” the 24-year-old began.
“Honestly… I’m living my dream,” de Minaur continued. “I can wake up in the morning and know that I’ve achieved a massive milestone, which was very tough to get to.
“I didn’t know if I was going to achieve it. Now I can look at myself and say that I’ve done it, that I’m a completely different player to what I was last year. It’s exciting ’cause I’ve got bigger and better things to come hopefully.”
Known for his impressive fitness, speed and strong defensive game, de Minaur is quick to repel any idea that he’s a one-dimensional player.
“I’ve always tried to be a better player every year I come into the Australian Open,” the Aussie explained. “I think this has been another chance and another opportunity for me to get better.
“I’m playing with a lot of confidence at the moment, a lot of belief, a very positive mindset. Ultimately, I’m trying to be more aggressive and bring a lot more variety to my game.
“I think a lot of people have watched me run side to side endlessly. I do have other layers to my game, which I’ve been able to kind of show at the start of the year. That’s the plan moving forward.”
Tough first round clash for de Minaur against former world No 3
In order to keep his momentum rolling in 2024, de Minaur will need to overcome a tough first round challenge at the year’s first Grand Slam.
The 24-year-old’s campaign begins against former world No 3 Milos Raonic, who has spent several years battling injuries on the sidelines. The Canadian has returned in recent months, however, and still has one of the biggest serves on the ATP Tour.
“I had a feeling it was going to be a tough match coming up,” said de Minaur of his first round clash. “When I drew Milos, it was basically that. He’s a very tricky opponent, the type of person that can take the racquet out of your hand. Obviously has an unbelievable serve and is very aggressive.
“It’s a tough match, but yet again, I’m excited to play. I’m playing some good tennis. I’ll be ready for the challenge.”
The world No 10 is confident in his ability to “go out there on court and problem solve” against Raonic, however. Do so, and he could potentially face an all-Australian second round clash with wildcard Adam Walton.
