Pat Rafter discloses what he has discovered about Alex de Minaur after working with him at the Laver Cup
Patrick Rafter, the two-time US Open champion and newly minted vice-captain for Team World at the Laver Cup, has pulled back the curtain on Alex de Minaur’s game after an up-close collaboration during the 2025 event in San Francisco. In a post-tournament interview with The Tennis Gazette, Rafter shared fresh insights into the Australian’s technical prowess and mental fortitude, honed from days strategizing alongside captain Andre Agassi. De Minaur’s heroics—seven points across a singles upset over Alexander Zverev (6-1, 6-4) and a gritty doubles win with Alex Michelsen (6-3, 6-4 over Holger Rune and Casper Ruud, despite a self-inflicted ear injury)—were pivotal in Team World’s 15-9 triumph. “I’ve known Alex for years, but working with him this weekend? I discovered just how complete a player he is,” Rafter said.
The Discovery: De Minaur’s “Hands” and Ball Manipulation Mastery
Rafter, a serve-volley maestro himself with a career-high No. 1 ranking, zeroed in on de Minaur’s often-underrated touch and tactical versatility—qualities that shone against Zverev’s power game. “You just saw a guy who had the hands and the ability to manipulate the ball in different areas of the court,” Rafter recounted, relaying a direct compliment from Team Europe captain Yannick Noah after the Zverev match. Noah, impressed by de Minaur’s slice-heavy tactics and net approaches, reportedly told Rafter: “This is how you can play tennis.”
The 26-year-old Sydneysider, who led the ATP in hard-court wins (29) this year, channeled a Federer-esque playbook under Agassi and Rafter’s guidance. Pre-match sessions focused on varying pace and spin to disrupt Zverev’s rhythm—de Minaur fired 28 winners, including forehand lasers and drop shots, while converting 4/5 break points. “Alex isn’t just fast; he’s clever,” Rafter added. “He picks his spots, changes the angle, gets to the net when it counts. That’s not counterpunching—that’s dictating.” This revelation counters critics who pigeonhole de Minaur as a defensive specialist, echoing Andy Roddick’s recent podcast defense of his “creator” instincts.
Rafter also marveled at de Minaur’s adaptability in doubles, where he blocked a Rune screamer with his racket frame—slicing his ear and requiring a medical timeout—yet won the point and the match. “That resilience? I discovered he’s got ice in his veins. No complaints, just back to business. Without him, we would’ve been lost,” Rafter said, highlighting de Minaur’s last-minute addition as a reinforcement.
De Minaur’s Take: Learning from Legends
De Minaur, now a career-high No. 6, reciprocated the praise, crediting Rafter and Agassi for the blueprint. “I’ve got an amazing captain and vice-captain who I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being next to and learning from these last couple of days,” he said post-Zverev win. “Picking their brains on strategy—it’s gold. Pat’s volley tips? Game-changer.” The Laver Cup, de Minaur’s third straight team-event masterclass (after Davis Cup heroics), boosted his confidence ahead of the Asian swing, starting with Beijing’s China Open.
Rafter, who stepped into the vice-captain role from Patrick McEnroe, sees de Minaur as Australia’s flag-bearer. “He’s humble, combative, impressive at the net—silenced all doubts this weekend,” he told Tennis Temple. With no Aussie male Slam winner since 1976, Rafter’s discoveries fuel hope for de Minaur’s breakthrough.
As the Laver Cup dust settles, Rafter’s insights remind us: De Minaur’s not just quick—he’s crafty, cool, and climbing.
