As Australia's strongest male contingent in decades descends on Melbourne Park for the 2025 Australian Open, compatriots of Alex de Minaur have credited the 25-year-old for his role in pushing Australian tennis forward.
As a host of stars spoke to the press on Friday at Melbourne Park, Nick Kyrgios was particularly bullish about Australia's current male contingent and praised the 'Demon' for his leadership and role as Aussie No.1.
"Men's tennis in Australia right now is ridiculously strong. We have a lot of players. It's very deep," Kyrgios said.
The 29-year-old — who suggested his wrist and abdomen injuries would be right for his first-round match on Monday — praised the way de Minaur has embraced being the face of Australian tennis.
"To see how well [Alex] has taken it upon himself to be our No.1 player for the last three, four years. To deal with everything, the pressure of being our No.1.
"I was there. I didn't always deal with it the best. He's been a ridiculously good role model."
Kyrgios further suggested that the world No.8 is capable of claiming a major title and is giving himself every chance to do so.
"I genuinely think he's a threat at any Grand Slam and any tournament he plays. He's made the quarterfinals of every Slam but the AO," he continued.
"He's got a chance to win a Slam, for sure. I think he does everything right. He's improved little things in his game where I thought he needed to improve."
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In discussing de Minaur’s continuous progression, Kyrgios recalled his earliest memory of ‘Demon’; one which left an instant impression.
"I remember when he was our orange boy at Davis Cup. We'd won the tie and he needed to have some extra practice," he said.
"I was like, I'll go out there and teach this little kid a lesson. I brought a beer out there thinking this guy can't be that good.
"But it was a really close set. I was in my prime. He was only 17. I was like, this guy is going to be really solid."
Eight years on, de Minaur is leading a trio of Aussie seeds at Melbourne Park, alongside Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson who each expressed their confidence in his chances.
"[Alex] is just continually getting better. He's constantly improving. He works so hard. He's very professional," Thompson said.
"Guys in the locker room know it's going to take a big effort for them to beat him. I think if he just has a good week, it all goes his way, he can definitely do some damage."
Popyrin was equally bullish when asked about the Australian men and their chances over the coming fortnight.
"I think [Alex] definitely has a huge opportunity. He is one of the best players in the world. With every best player in the world, you think they can win the tournament," the Aussie said.
"I definitely don't want to face him (smiling)."
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