Alex de Minaur, Ajla Tomljanovic and their United Cup team-mates anticipate an electric atmosphere when Australia takes to the court at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Sydney, Australia, 28 December 2022 | Vivienne Christie
Few courts carry better memories for the Sydney-born Alex de Minaur than Ken Rosewall Arena.
Four years ago, it was the setting for an important milestone as the then-19-year-old claimed his breakthrough first ATP singles title at the Sydney International.
Earlier this year, De Minaur defeated Marton Fucsovics and Zsombor Piros – both in straight sets – on the same court to boost Australia’s progress over Hungary in a Davis Cup qualifier.
And while it follows that the world No.23 Australian is excited to launch his 2023 season in a home arena, De Minaur notes that the best experiences on his favourite court could still be to come.
“It’s a beautiful court, a beautiful place to be. I love being back here at home,” said De Minaur as Australian team members prepared to contest their first matches at the inaugural United Cup.
“I think it’s even better to be here in a team environment – a team event, we’ve got a great team and I think we’re all just happy to be here.”
“We’re just going to put our head down and work – that’s what we do.”
The Aussies are all smiles in Sydney as they prepare for their #UnitedCup campaign 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/PgSHyp6Kzt
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 28, 2022
Elevated to the position as No.1 Australian men’s player after Nick Kyrgios withdrew through injury, De Minaur emphasised the depth among a passionate Australian contingent.
Co-captained by Sam Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt, the home team includes Jason Kubler, John Peers, Ajla Tomljanovic, Maddison Inglis and Zoe Hives.
“I think we’ve got a great team and we’re all going to be out there doing our best, so ultimately the only thing that changes is match-ups and that’s about it,” De Minaur pointed out.
“But we’re all happy to be here – it’s a great team vibe, great team spirit and it’s going to be exciting to be able to go (out and) represent Australia.”
Stosur, who will combine her co-captaincy role as a playing member for Australia, agrees.
“We’re all really keen to get out on the court and do our best in every single match that we all get to play,” said 38-year-old Stosur, who retired from singles play at Australian Open 2022 and now competes exclusively in…
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