Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin to lead Australian Davis Cup team for Sydney clash with Belgium
Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin will spearhead Australia’s Davis Cup team in a highly anticipated second-round qualifier against Belgium, set for September 13-14, 2025, at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. This marks Australia’s first home Davis Cup tie in over three years, a significant moment for the team and fans eager to see top-tier tennis on home soil. The Australian squad, under the leadership of captain Lleyton Hewitt, is poised to leverage its formidable lineup to secure a spot in the Final 8 in Bologna, Italy, in November, continuing their quest for a first Davis Cup title since 2003.
De Minaur, currently ranked world No. 10, brings his trademark speed, tenacity, and versatility to the team. Known for his relentless baseline game and ability to compete against the world’s best, de Minaur has been a cornerstone of Australia’s recent Davis Cup campaigns. His experience in high-pressure ties, including deep runs in recent Grand Slams, makes him a pivotal figure. Alexei Popyrin, fresh off a career-high ranking of No. 19 after his breakthrough ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal in 2024, adds significant firepower. Popyrin’s big serving and aggressive playstyle complement de Minaur’s consistency, creating a balanced singles lineup. This tie could see Hewitt field two top-20 players in singles, a rare and potent combination for Australia.
Joining them are Jordan Thompson, a reliable singles and doubles competitor, and Matt Ebden, a doubles specialist who has excelled on the global stage, including Olympic and Wimbledon success. The team’s depth is further bolstered by emerging talents like Max Purcell, who brings additional doubles expertise. Australia, currently ranked No. 2 in the Davis Cup world rankings, is favored to advance, but Belgium, led by players like David Goffin and Zizou Bergs, poses a challenge. Historically, Australia holds a 4-3 edge over Belgium, with their most recent encounter in 2022 resulting in a 3-0 Australian victory during the group stage.
The Sydney clash is a critical step toward the Final 8, where Australia has reached the last three years, including runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023. Playing at Ken Rosewall Arena, a venue steeped in Australian tennis history, adds emotional weight to the tie. Hewitt, a former world No. 1 and Davis Cup stalwart, has emphasized the importance of home support in driving the team’s performance. The intimate 10,500-capacity arena is expected to create an electric atmosphere, amplifying Australia’s home advantage.
For de Minaur and Popyrin, this tie is a chance to solidify their status as leaders of Australian tennis’s new generation. De Minaur’s resilience and Popyrin’s recent surge in form signal a bright future, while veterans like Ebden ensure stability in doubles. Belgium, despite their underdog status, will look to exploit any weaknesses, particularly in the doubles rubber, where strategy and chemistry are critical. With a blend of youth, experience, and home-crowd energy, Australia is well-positioned to triumph and continue their pursuit of Davis Cup glory.
