Lleyton Hewitt responds when asked if Alex de Minaur could reach the Australian Open final this year

Lleyton Hewitt, Australia’s Davis Cup captain and a former world No. 1, recently responded to the question of whether Alex de Minaur could reach the Australian Open final this year. Hewitt, who has been a mentor to De Minaur throughout his career, expressed confidence in the young Australian’s potential but highlighted the challenges that come with a Grand Slam run.

When asked about De Minaur’s chances of making it to the Australian Open final, Hewitt acknowledged the progress the 24-year-old has made but remained cautious about making bold predictions. “Alex has the game, and he’s proven he can compete with the best. But making a Grand Slam final, especially at the Australian Open, requires not just skill but mental toughness and consistency over two weeks,” Hewitt said. “It’s a huge task, but I know he’s working hard, and he’s got the ability to cause some upsets.”

Hewitt also emphasized De Minaur’s growth in 2024, particularly his improved performance in high-stakes matches. “He’s become a much more complete player—his movement, his defense, and even his offensive game have all gotten better. The key for him now is to keep believing in himself and maintaining that level throughout the tournament.”

De Minaur has long been seen as one of Australia’s top prospects, and his defensive skills and incredible speed have earned him recognition on the ATP Tour. However, Hewitt pointed out that De Minaur would face a tough draw, with players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev likely to stand in his way. “You can never underestimate the quality of the field, especially at a Slam. But I think Alex has the capability to go deep if everything clicks.”

While Hewitt didn’t guarantee a final appearance, his belief in De Minaur’s potential reflects the high expectations surrounding the Australian star ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.