Australia’s tennis star Alex de Minaur, affectionately nicknamed “Demon,” is channeling his energies into addressing his serving woes as he prepares for a crucial Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium in Sydney, starting September 10, 2025. The world No. 8, fresh off a disappointing US Open quarterfinal loss, is determined to ensure his serve doesn’t “let him down” again in big matches, with a homecoming tie offering a chance to shine on Australian soil for the first time since 2022.
US Open Disappointment Fuels Determination
De Minaur’s 2025 US Open campaign ended in frustration, as he squandered a golden opportunity to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal. Facing Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals on September 3, 2025, de Minaur struggled with a dismal serving performance, managing only a 54% first-serve percentage and winning just 38% of second-serve points. The 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3 defeat marked his sixth failure to advance beyond a major quarterfinal, a barrier he’s yet to break despite his career-high ranking.
“I’ve been focusing on it for the better part of my career, and it’s been a gradual improvement, but recently in the big matches it’s kind of let me down a little bit,” de Minaur admitted in Sydney on September 8, 2025. His serve, often cited as a weakness compared to his elite movement and baseline aggression, faltered under pressure in New York, leaving him dejected but resolute. “I’m well aware of what I need to change to break through the Grand Slam barrier,” he added, emphasizing technical tweaks to his serve as a priority.
### Davis Cup Homecoming: A Chance for Redemption
Returning to Sydney, where he was born, de Minaur expressed a sense of warmth and motivation for the Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium. The tie, Australia’s first home Davis Cup match since 2022, offers a chance to secure a spot in November’s finals in Bologna, Italy. “It feels warm inside to be back in Sydney,” de Minaur said, highlighting the emotional boost of playing in front of home fans. The Ken Rosewall Arena, hosting the event, is a fitting stage for de Minaur to showcase his progress.
De Minaur is expected to lead Australia alongside teammates Alexei Popyrin, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Max Purcell, and Matt Ebden, under the captaincy of Lleyton Hewitt. Facing a Belgian team led by David Goffin, ranked No. 63, Australia is favored to advance, but de Minaur’s focus remains on his serve. “I’ve been working on some things,” he noted, hinting at adjustments made since the US Open to ensure his serve holds up in high-stakes moments.
A Broader Perspective: Chasing the Elite
De Minaur’s US Open loss came against the backdrop of Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Jannik Sinner in the final, a match he didn’t watch but acknowledged as setting a new standard. “I didn’t think the tennis world would see anything like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, until Novak Djokovic came along,” de Minaur said. “But now in Alcaraz and Sinner, we’ve got two more players setting the standard that the rest of us need to chase.” Without a Grand Slam semifinal on his resume, de Minaur is acutely aware of the gap he must bridge to join the elite.
His 2025 season, while strong—featuring a Wimbledon quarterfinal, a Cincinnati Masters semifinal, and a No. 8 ranking—has been marred by serving inconsistencies in critical moments. Data from his US Open match shows he hit only 4 aces compared to Auger-Aliassime’s 12, with a 62% first-serve point win rate that couldn’t match his opponent’s 78%. Improving these metrics is central to de Minaur’s preparation for the Davis Cup and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As de Minaur gears up for the Davis Cup, his focus is clear: refine his serve to avoid further letdowns in big matches. A successful home tie could propel Australia to the finals and boost de Minaur’s confidence ahead of the Asian swing, including the Shanghai Masters (October 6-12, 2025). With Alcaraz, Sinner, and others setting a high bar, de Minaur’s homecoming is not just about national pride but also about proving he can compete with the best.
Pegula’s US Open semifinal run and subsequent ranking rise to No. 4, alongside the Bills’ NFL comeback, offer a parallel narrative of resilience that de Minaur can draw inspiration from. As he takes to the court in Sydney, the “Demon” is ready to exorcise his serving demons and lead Australia to victory, one precise toss at a time.
