De Minaur set to sizzle in heat
ALEX de Minaur has batted away scheduling concerns, welcoming the prospect of playing in scorching Australian Open conditions against Portugal’s Pedro Sousa.
Jubilant after notching his maiden ATP singles title at the Sydney International, de Minaur and his team arrived in Melbourne in a private jet just after midnight, intent on maximising recovery time.
“I mean, it’s a pretty good feeling, something I’m definitely not used to,” the 19-yearold prodigy said when asked about the private jet.
“Well, if I’ve got to keep on winning matches to get there, that’s a real incentive. I’m looking forward to it.”
Seeded 27th, de Minaur said he had no lingering concerns over being scheduled to play on the first day of the Open.
“It’s just what happens. We got to come back and play (today),” he said.
“Look, I’m ready. The body’s feeling good. Mentally, I’m ready.
“I’ve done everything to recover. Hopped in the ice bath, had a massage. I’m ready to go.
“I’m playing (today). The Open starts. Got to come back and do it all again. I’ve just got to reset and start again. I just can’t wait to get out there.”
De Minaur said he was prepared to play in the open or under a closed roof on Margaret Court Arena, if the tournament’s new extreme rules are invoked. Temperatures are tipped to reach 37C.
“The good thing is, I like playing in the heat,” he said.
“Either way, I’m going to be ready for what’s to come.’’
“It’s always special playing here in Melbourne, in your home slam. Hopefully, there can be a good crowd and I can play some great tennis.”
De Minaur hopes the experience gleaned from an epic US Open comeback against Marin Cilic, which ended in defeat, will help.
“It was one of those learning experiences,” he said.
“It’s probably sort of one of the best tennis matches I’ve played in a Grand Slam.
“It just slipped away. I had my opportunities. I didn’t manage to finish it off.
“Then again, never fighting until the end.
“That’s something I want to be known for, something that I want to bring every single time I step out on court.
“Hopefully, all the players in the locker room realise that that’s sort of the player I am.” stop