De Minaur says fame won’t go to his head

ALEC De Minaur is determined tennis – rather than notoriety – will remain his calling card before an Australian Open tilt at grand slam runner-up Tomas Berdych.

De Minaur, 18, has surged from No.208 to a career-high No.127 in the space of two weeks, following a Brisbane semi-final with a run to the Sydney final.

His startling start to the season has catapulted the youngster to national stardom, but the Sydneysider has no interest in celebrity.

“Yeah, it’s strange. I guess when you’re a little kid, that’s something you aspire to get to,” he said of intense media focus. “It’s crazy that it’s happening now.

“But, you know, it’s the same old me. Nothing’s going to change. I’m still going to get out there on court and leave it all out there, give it my best.”

De Minaur won a total of two ATP and grand slam matches in 2017, he has strung together seven in just two tournaments this year.

“I’m really happy with where my level’s at at the moment. I’m just trying to continue to ride this wave,” De Minaur said.

“I just want to have a good match against Berdych.

“I want to compete every point, give myself the best opportunity I can to play well. I think that’s the only thing I can ask from myself.

“It’s just going to be another match. It’s going to be fun. I can’t wait.”

De Minaur will again rely upon Lleyton Hewitt’s guidance.

The former world No.1 has had De Minaur under his wing for a couple of seasons, even-hosting the youngster at his home.

“Well, he’s been a help for a long time,” De Minaur said.

“I just listen to what he has to say try to do it on court.

“I just go out there on court. It’s just another tennis match. It’s another day, another opportunity to get better. I’m just going day by day.”