Alex de Minaur has made a big change which should really help him in 2026.
Alex de Minaur has started his 2026 season off in the right way, having helped Australia reach the United Cup quarterfinals.
De Minaur and his Australia teammates, led by captain Lleyton Hewitt, fell to Poland in the quarterfinals of the ATP and WTA mixed event.
After knocking out Australia, Poland went on to lift the United Cup trophy, defeating Switzerland 2-1 in the final in Sydney.
Hewitt rested De Minaur for the doubles decider against Poland, with the captain admirably trying to prevent the ATP star from injury ahead of a busy season.
Alex de Minaur makes positive attitude change for 2026 season
During the event, De Minaur was tasked with discussing a potential rise to number five in the world rankings, having been asked what such a feat would mean to him ahead of the Australian Open.
He said: “I will talk about it when I know it’s 100% certain. It is what it is. I think ultimately in tennis there’s so many variables, right?
“Over the years that’s something I’ve obsessed about, something that I’ve looked at after every single match, focused on everyone else’s results.
“As I saw last year, it consumed me, right? It was too much. I’m doing my best to kind of be a lot more chilled out about it.
“If it happens, it happens. I think I played some good tennis here. Ultimately, yeah, any improvements would be welcome. Ultimately, those are the goals that I’m pursuing.
“Whether I achieve it this next coming week or at the end of the year or in the middle of the year, I’m going to be looking forward to hopefully finishing off the year higher than I did this last year. That’s my main goal.”
Being “consumed” by matters beyond his control clearly wasn’t a good approach, but it’s great to see that he is leaving that approach behind in 2026.
Focusing on himself and his own progression is undoubtedly the right thing to do, particularly given the pressure on his shoulders as the highest-ranked Australian tennis player.
It should definitely help him secure success on the ATP Tour this season, with superstars such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner undoubtedly only focusing on their own pursuits and not those of each other or indeed anyone else.
Can Australian Open crowd push Alex de Minaur to new Grand Slam best?
Incidentally, De Minaur has not risen to number five in the world rankings, with Lorenzo Musetti taking that spot after reaching the Hong Kong final.
The Australian has remained in sixth, his career-high ranking, and he will be the sixth seed at the Australian Open.
He will very likely have a very tricky route to glory in Melbourne, but the home favorite will need to beat the best if he wants to win Grand Slam titles.
De Minaur will, however, have the added bonus of the Australian Open crowd on his side, which may help him make it beyond a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time in his career.
Of course, De Minaur is aware of the Australian Open pressure, but fan support should trump pressure when push comes to shove.
