Alex de Minaur has enjoyed another stellar year on the ATP Tour, rising to world number six for the first time in his career.
The Australian, now ranked seventh in the world, won his 10th ATP Tour title at the Washington Open in August, leaving Katie Boulter ‘in awe’ of de Minaur’s achievement
However, for all of de Minaur’s impressive feats, he has consistently failed to reach the latter stages at Grand Slam events.
To date, the Australian has made six Grand Slam quarter-final appearances, but failed to win any of those matches.
Most recently, the ‘Demon’ was stunned by Felix Auger-Aliassime in the US Open quarter-finals, a result that de Minaur said was a ‘wasted opportunity.’
Heading into the 2026 Australian Open, de Minaur will hope to end this unwanted streak.
Alex de Minaur says he needs to believe in his game as much as his team does
Speaking to Esquire Australia, de Minaur began by analysing the ‘small margins’ separating those at the top of the ATP tree.
He said: “I mean, you get to a certain level where everyone knows how to hit a tennis ball, everyone is super professional, everyone competes really well, so you’re looking for the tiniest of edges against your opponents.
“So, ultimately, as you get to the highest level, the margins are smaller and smaller, and you’re searching for these ways to improve, but it’s even harder than you can ever imagine.”
The Australian then revealed where his focus is heading into the 2026 ATP season.
“Look, I think a lot of it is mental,” de Minaur said.
“I’ve got to get to the stage where I believe in myself as much as my team does. They have so much belief in me and my level, and I’ve got to match that energy.”
As noted in the interview with Esquire Australia, the ‘Demon’s’ point concerns maintaining self-belief on the biggest points, rather than his general play.
“Yep, it’s having that belief, that swagger about you,” the Australian added.
“Sometimes I’m too hard on myself. I don’t give myself enough credit. It’s just realising that I am good enough. I’m capable of doing some pretty special things in this sport, and, ultimately, it’s up to me to show up.”
Will Alex de Minaur win a Grand Slam title in 2026?
The Australian’s chances of winning a Grand Slam in 2026 remain slim; not due to his ability, but the presence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz and Sinner have won the past eight majors combined and few would bet against the pair capturing all four Grand Slams in 2026.
The only factor that may hinder Alcaraz at the first major event of the year is the impact of his split from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Sinner rarely seems fazed by anything that occurs on a tennis court, and he will be hoping to add a third consecutive Australian Open trophy to his collection when the tournament concludes on February 1, 2026.
As for Alcaraz, he is looking to complete the career Grand Slam: winning all four major events.
