Alex de Minaur has reached a level that has so far eluded Nick Kyrgios

Australia’s Alex de Minaur is in the form of his life and it has been reflected in the latest rankings released by the ATP Tour.

Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios. Photos: Getty Images and News Corp

Alex de Minaur may not have the profile or firepower of compatriot Nick Kyrgios, but he has just managed an achievement that has so far eluded the former Wimbledon finalist.

De Minaur has been on a hot streak of late, reaching the final at his last two ATP Tour events.

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The 24-year-old lost to world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final at Los Cabos in Mexico a fortnight ago before succumbing in another decider last week, this time to the sixth-ranked Italian Jannik Sinner in the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto.

While disappointed not to add to his seven singles titles to date in either event, he could at least be satisfied by reaching a career-high mark in the latest ATP rankings.

Alex de Minaur (left) was runner-up to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

De Minaur’s recent run allowed him to jump six spots to No. 12 in the standings.

That is one spot higher than Kyrgios has managed so far in his career, with 13th being the Canberrans highest rank to date, achieved way back in 2016.

Injuries have cruelled Kyrgios’ 2023 season, playing just one match for the year, a defeat in Stuttgart back in June.

His ranking has fallen all the way to No. 127, although he stated recently he has an injury-protected ranking of 21st whenever he does return to the court.

A terrific tournament from Alex de Minaur who jumps up to a career high ranking of No. 12 on the @atptour after his big week in Toronto that saw wins over Cam Norrie, Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev among others. pic.twitter.com/Ji00tkillU

— Mike McIntyre (@McIntyreTennis) August 13, 2023

Highest ranking by an Australian male tennis player since 1996:

#1 Rafter (1999)
#1 Hewitt (2001)
#8 Philippoussis (1999)
#12 de Minaur (2023)
#13 Krygios (2016)
#17 Tomić (2016)
#19 Woodbridge (1997)
#19 Woodforde (1996)https://t.co/ZQjAWM6RwL

— Kevin Pollard (@football_roos) August 14, 2023

Meanwhile, De Minaur’s ranking is the highest by an Aussie since former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt was still in the top 10 back in 2006

De Minaur beat world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, ninth-ranked Taylor Fritz and No. 13 Cameron Norrie in Toronto, while he has also recorded victories against top 10 players Holger Rune (twice) and Andrey Rublev in a promising 2023.

“Step by step, I feel like I’m getting better,” De Minaur said after the loss to Sinner. “I’m showing my level against top opponents, day in and day out.

“This week was a great week for me. I’m feeling confident. I’m going to be ranked 12 and I’ve still got plenty and plenty of areas to improve on.

“I think it’s going to be the case my whole career but that’s the beauty of it, so it’s exciting for me.”

Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios. Photos: Getty Images and News Corp

While Kyrgios announced earlier this month that injury has ruled him out of the US Open starting later this month, meaning he will have missed all four majors in 2023, De Minaur’s star is on the rise.

The seemingly tireless Sydneysider is backing up in Cincinnati this week, winning his first round clash with American J.J. Wolf on Wednesday morning (AEST).

Immediately after the US Open, the man known as the Demon will spearhead Australia’s Davis Cup campaign, starting September 13.

The Aussie side lost the final to Canada in a heartbreaking defeat last year.

“I think what motivates us is to try and get one better than we did last year,” de Minaur said.

“We got so close to being able to lift that Davis Cup trophy, that gave us a lot of fire in the belly to come back and go for more.”

Australia has been grouped with Great Britain, France and Switzerland and must finish in the top two in Manchester to progress.

Thank you Toronto ❤️ Step by step 📈🥈 pic.twitter.com/5NH08grNLf

— alex de minaur (@alexdeminaur) August 14, 2023

Naturally, Australian captain Hewitt has been thrilled by De Minaur’s recent form.

“There’s been a lot of really good performances not only in singles but also doubles throughout the year,” Hewitt said.

“Alex de Minaur has played some of his best tennis in Davis Cup, so we’re very fortunate to have him spearheading us again going into Manchester.

“He’s come off a fantastic run in Toronto.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson, Max Purcell and doubles specialist Matt Ebden complete the Australian side.