FOCUSED DE MINAUR HAS S EXORCISED HIS DEMON

TENNIS:NNIS: Alealex dde Miminaur has addressed distracting off-court issues and is confident of delivering a strong Wimbledon showing.

The 25th seed was upset after losing to Aljaz Bedene at Queen’s Club, partially attributing defeat to unspecified off-court concerns.

It is understood the issue stems from the prodigy’s support structure, but de Minaur will not confirm what the source of the angst is.

De Minaur will open his Wimbledon campaign against Italian Marco Cecchinato, a rematch of the pair’s first-round clash here a year ago.

He says his mindset is more positive now.

“It’s sort of something (off-court distraction) that happens as a tennis player, and in a lot of sports,” he said.

“If you want to perform, you’ve gotta have your mind 100 per cent clear and focused on just going out there and playing tennis.

“I mean, tennis is a hard enough sport TONIGHT as it is (without) having other things in your mind.

“So I’m very happy the state I am right now in, and can’t wait to get out there and play my first round.

“You still sort of feel that aura, that rich history, tradition as soon as you walk into the gates.

“It’s just amazing. And as a tennis player, this is where you wanna be. It doesn’t get too much better than this.”

Fully recovered from osteitis pubis (groin pain), de Minaur is steeling himself for a brutal onslaught from French Open semi-finalist Cecchinato.

“It’s gonna be tough, because obviously we know each other and he’s gonna come (out) guns blazing,” de Minaur said.

“But I feel like I’m playing very well, I’m moving well, enjoying myself out there.

“So if I can focus on my side of the court and hopefully be able to perform on the day, I’ll just make sure I’ll give 150 percent and that’s all I can ask from myself.”