World No.9 Alex de Minaur’s surprise inclusion has lifted Australia’s hopes against the USA in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in Spain.
Malaga, Spain, 21 November 2024 | Darren Walton, AAP
Ironman Alex de Minaur is a surprising late addition in a mighty boost to Australia’s Davis Cup quarterfinal hopes against the USA in Malaga.
De Minaur was not listed in Australia’s initial team to face the USA on Thursday night before the world No.9 declared his availability after a “special” practice session with retiring legend Rafael Nadal.
After a gruelling but triumphant season dogged by a hip injury, it had been expected that De Minaur would sit out the Davis Cup Finals after losing all three of his matches at last week’s ATP Finals in Turin.
“Look, I’m very happy to be back here. Obviously, it’s been a tough year with injuries, but I am feeling a lot better and I’m feeling quite fit and ready to compete,” he said.
“So obviously if my body was holding up, I was always going to put my hand up and be ready to come here and play for Australia.”
De Minaur is sure to be extra inspired when he hits the court on Thursday.
After becoming the first Australian since Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt in 2005 to reach three consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals, the 25-year-old had the honour of hitting with Nadal ahead of the former world No.1’s final tournament this week.
“It was a special moment for sure,” De Minaur said. “I have been fortunate enough to share the court with Rafa a couple times, and I have hit with him a couple times, but it’s always extra special, this potentially being the last dance.
“So it was good to get one last hit with him.”
Demon 🤝 Rafa #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/2ftdhkFcYg
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 17, 2024
Team USA boasts a formidable line-up led by 2024 US Open runner-up and world No.5 Taylor Fritz and fellow top-20 stars Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton.
But De Minaur and world No.24 Alexei Popyrin, still riding high after winning the Montreal Masters 1000 crown before toppling Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows, hope to have the fans’ backing at the Malaga indoor arena.
The Sydney-born pair grew up together in Alacante after their parents felt Spain was the best country to advance their tennis careers.
“It’s always great to come back here to Malaga. We have had a pretty good connection with the crowd throughout the years,” De Minaur said.
“It’s of course…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Tennis.com.au – Tennis Australia…