Australia’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the United Cup are still alive, thanks to the impressive performance of Alex de Minaur. The world No. 9 delivered a masterclass on December 27th at Ken Rosewall Arena, dismantling British player Billy Harris with a commanding score of 6-2, 6-1, showcasing not only his skill but also his return to peak form.
De Minaur’s decisive victory was not just about the scoreline; it was about his playing style. He executed dazzling shots, including a spectacular lob and resilient rallies, thrilling the crowd and leaving his opponents on notice. Post-match, De Minaur confidently declared, “This was the old me. I’ve got my legs back everybody. I’m back,” signaling his readiness for the upcoming challenges on the tour.
Earlier on the same night, his fiancé Katie Boulter had put pressure on the Australian team by winning her singles match against Olivia Gadecki with the same scoreline, 6-2, 6-1. Boulter's flawless performance contributed to Australia needing to win their tie against Great Britain to keep any hope alive of securing the top runner-up spot needed to progress. After Boulter’s convincing victory, the onus fell on De Minaur to replicate her success and level the tie for Australia.
Throughout the match, De Minaur exhibited remarkable speed and agility, reminiscent of his earlier days on the court. He consistently challenged Harris, covering 45.7 meters over short rallies, and making impressive saves to maintain control of the game. His powerful serves were clocked at speeds over 15 km/h faster than usual, demonstrating his hard work during the off-season to bulk up his serve. With a laugh, he remarked, “I got sick and tired of everyone saying I don’t have a big enough first serve.”
The chemistry both on and off the court between De Minaur and Boulter adds an interesting dynamic to the United Cup. Commentators highlighted this competitive edge, with Boulter expressing her thoughts leading up to the match, stating it was a “terrible” situation for them as they faced each other’s teams. Nonetheless, both remain committed to their individual competitive pursuits, wishing to progress without compromise.
Following De Minaur's impressive win, hopes were high as Team Australia prepared for the mixed doubles bout, where they needed to win decisively to secure their positions. The match became significant, not just for the players, but also for the bracket system, as they required straight-set wins with limited games lost to qualify for the quarter-finals as the best runners-up.
With Captain Lleyton Hewitt putting De Minaur and Gadecki together for the mixed doubles instead of opting for established doubles specialists, the stakes were raised. He knew the reliance on his top singles players was necessary to keep the team’s dream alive. De Minaur's strong showing against Harris was pivotal, leveling the overall tie and setting the stage for the decisive mixed doubles contest.
Returning to form after battling ad various injuries has invigorated De Minaur as he prepares for the Australian Open. His performance at the United Cup serves as both preparation and motivation, enhancing his competitive edge just as he needs it. His earlier hip injury had interrupted his momentum during 2024, causing him to withdraw from key matches. Remarkably, he returned to the court with confidence and speed, leaving fans excited about his upcoming matches.
All eyes are now on the mixed doubles as De Minaur and Gadecki look to strategically maneuver themselves through their opponents to secure Australia’s position. If De Minaur continues to play with the same intensity and confidence exhibited during his match against Harris, there’s every reason to believe the couple can contribute to Australia’s United Cup ambitions.
Fans are cheering not only for the home team but also witnessing the compelling narrative of two competitive spirits challenging each other within the same household. The results of the mixed doubles on this evening could heavily tilt the scale for Australia’s hopes at the United Cup, reinforcing the passionate rivalry present not only on the professional circuit but also at home.