Young gun Alex de Minaur not daunted by high expectations

Young gun Alex de Minaur had a sensational 2018, boosting his ranking, winning the nation’s support and earning the respect of his peers. Now ranked 31st in the world, the 19-year-old is maintaining his admirable attitude on and off the court.

Alex de Minaur, awarded Newcome of the Year at the ATP World Tour Finals. Picture: Clive Brunskill, Getty Images.

He has the ranking, the support and the respect, but Australia’s rising teenage tennis ace Alex de Minaur won’t be daunted by expectation this summer.

The 19-year-old, ranked 31st in the world, starts his campaign in Brisbane this week and could earn a seeding at the Australian Open next month.

“At the end of the day it’s still the same me and I’m going to be doing the same old things, worrying about each day,” said de Minaur, the joint Newcombe Medal winner.

“As long as I can keep trying to improve each day and put in the hard work I’m a strong believer the results will show.

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Alex de Minaur is putting in the hard yards to capitalise on a big 2018. Picture: Chris Hyde, Getty Images.

“I’ve been putting in the hard yards. Now it’s about having some fun and seeing how it goes.

“I enjoy every single day playing the sport I love and you’ve got to look at the positives and take it all in and enjoy the moment.”

De Minaur, labelled a gift to Australian tennis by legend Rod Laver and mentored by Lleyton Hewitt, has an attitude widely admired and recognised.

Alex de Minaur burst onto the scene 12 months ago. Picture: Toshifumi Kitamura, AFP.

After bursting on the scene in Brisbane this time last year as an unheralded wildcard, reaching the semi-finals, he went on to make the third round at Wimbledon and the US Open.

He has now picked up his first major sponsorship as the 2019 brand ambassador for vitamin and supplements brand Swisse Wellness.

“It gives me a lot of confidence going into the year,” de Minaur said.

“I’m extremely grateful for them showing me the interest and helping me out pretty much when my career is starting. That’s something I’ll definitely remember.”