De Miñaur, ready for 2026: "I am prepared to take more risks"

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Alex de Miñaur is back under the spotlight. Every January, all eyes are on the Australian, especially from his compatriots, and even more so this coming year as it marks the 50th anniversary of the last Australian player’s victory in the Australian Open: Mark Edmondson. Thus, the pressure on the world number 7 at this stage of the calendar this year will increase a little more.

However, Alex de Miñaur is more than accustomed to this situation. Yet, he is tired of being the promise and not achieving the goal. In fact, his best result in the Australian Open took place in 2025 when he reached the quarterfinals but was swiftly eliminated by Jannik Sinner (6-3, 6-2, 6-1).

The Italian has become his kryptonite. De Miñaur has been unable to secure a victory in the 13 encounters he has had with Sinner. Furthermore, he has also never beaten Carlos Alcaraz, losing all five matches they've played. If he wants to compete for the Grand Slam at home, he will likely have to face one or even both of them.

The Australian is aware that in order to defeat the world's top two players, he must make certain changes in his game, primarily focusing on aggressiveness. De Miñaur tends to play always at the same pace and without any variety, leading him to lose closely contested matches by not taking risks when necessary. Yet, the world number seven is fully aware of this and is making certain changes in his game. This was expressed in the prelude to the United Cup, in statements reported by Tennis Australia.

Alex de Miñaur and the battle to close the gap with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

"It's something we're all trying to accomplish. There's no other option but to improve. Eventually, you have to narrow the gap. I've played very close matches against both of them in the last two years, and you feel you're getting closer. It's about working on the game, finding new weapons; for me, it's about finding different ways to hurt these players, so I'm prepared to take more risks and be a bit more disruptive."

Looking forward to playing in front of his Australian compatriots again

"The Australian fans are passionate; they love sports. They are the best fans in the world, and ultimately, for me and any Australian competing, there's nothing you want more than to perform well at home in front of our fans. Obviously, I'm super excited to be back here, starting the year at home playing in front of my supporters."

"To give my best, I need to disconnect when I'm off the court. As soon as I step off it, I try to disconnect. I try to have a good dinner, have a coffee, take a walk; that's my way of making sure I don't burn out at the end of the year. For me, that will help me ensure that once I step on the court, I am fully ready to play," says a prepared Alex de Miñaur ready to battle at this Australian Open and try to secure his first victory against Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, De Miñaur, listo para el 2026: "Estoy preparado para asumir más riesgos"