The Case for a Dual-Coach System
Alex de Minaur, the world No. 8, has made it clear that the relentless 11-month tennis season demands more than one coach can handle. Speaking before his US Open quarterfinal on September 3, 2025, he declared, “Not possible,” when asked if a single coach could suffice for a top player. “My reasoning is that if the coach has a family, he’s not going to be able to see his family. The schedule we have as players is never-ending, and more often than not, that’s the whole reasoning for having two coaches—to split the weeks so they can spend time with their family.”
De Minaur’s coaching setup includes Adolfo Gutierrez, his long-time mentor since age nine, and Peter Luczak, a former Australian Davis Cup player who joined in 2022. Gutierrez, based in Alicante, Spain, where de Minaur spent much of his childhood, is like a “second father,” focusing on technical precision and strategy. Luczak, a part-time coach who also works with Jordan Thompson, brings tour experience and positivity. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia’s Davis Cup captain, serves as a mentor, offering emotional support and tactical insights during key moments, such as de Minaur’s US Open campaign. “No matter who is at the tournament, they’re both in constant dialogue, going back and forth with feedback,” de Minaur said, emphasizing the importance of communication in his team’s success.
This multi-coach model reflects a broader trend in tennis. Players like Iga Swiatek, with her rotating team of coaches, and Carlos Alcaraz, who balances Juan Carlos Ferrero with input from his brother Alvaro, rely on diverse support systems to manage the physical and mental toll of the ATP and WTA Tours. De Minaur’s approach ensures his coaches maintain a work-life balance, with Gutierrez’s young family a key consideration. “I’ve been with him almost 17 years, and I’m never going to tell him he’s not allowed to spend time with his family,” de Minaur noted, showcasing his empathy for his team.
US Open Setback Highlights Serving Challenges
De Minaur’s 2025 US Open run ended in familiar frustration, as he fell 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3 to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals, marking his sixth failure to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. His serve, a persistent weakness, let him down, with a 54% first-serve percentage and only 38% of second-serve points won, compared to Auger-Aliassime’s 12 aces and 78% first-serve point win rate. “My serve let me down a little bit in the big matches,” de Minaur admitted, pinpointing an area he’s been addressing since the loss.
Despite the defeat, de Minaur’s 2025 season has been a step forward. He reached quarterfinals at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, made the Cincinnati Masters semifinals, and achieved a career-high No. 6 ranking in July 2024. His speed, defensive prowess, and relentless energy—earning him the “Speed Demon” nickname—kept him competitive, but breaking the Grand Slam barrier requires a stronger serve. “I’m well aware of what I need to change,” he said, hinting at technical tweaks under Gutierrez and Luczak’s guidance.
Davis Cup: A Homecoming Opportunity
De Minaur’s focus has now shifted to the Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena, starting September 10, 2025. The tie, Australia’s first home Davis Cup match since 2022, is a chance to secure a spot in the November 2025 Finals in Bologna, Italy. De Minaur, who called the Davis Cup the “funnest” time of the year, is relishing the opportunity to play in his hometown. “It feels warm inside to be back in Sydney,” he said on September 8, 2025. “There’s nothing like playing for your country, especially at home.”
Leading a strong Australian team alongside Alexei Popyrin, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Max Purcell, and Matt Ebden, under Hewitt’s captaincy, de Minaur is favored to shine against a Belgian squad led by David Goffin (No. 63). His serving improvements will be tested against Goffin’s defensive skills and Zizou Bergs, who pushed de Minaur to five sets at Wimbledon 2025. The team atmosphere, a contrast to the solitary ATP Tour, energizes de Minaur. “You’re playing for your mates, your country, and the fans,” he said. “It brings out something special.”
A Broader Context: Chasing the Elite
De Minaur’s comments about coaching come in the context of a highly competitive men’s game, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner setting new standards after their thrilling US Open final on September 7, 2025. “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.” His multi-coach setup, bolstered by fiancée Katie Boulter’s emotional support, positions him to pursue that elite level.
The US Open also saw other players, like Jessica Pegula, find solace in team sports after individual setbacks, with Pegula celebrating the Buffalo Bills’ NFL comeback on the same day as her semifinal loss. De Minaur, similarly, draws inspiration from the Davis Cup’s team spirit, which could propel him toward a strong finish to 2025.
Looking Ahead
As de Minaur prepares for the Davis Cup, his focus is clear: refine his serve and lead Australia to victory. Success in Sydney could set the stage for the Asian swing, including the Shanghai Masters (October 6-12, 2025), and a push for the 2026 Australian Open. His declaration that single-coach systems are obsolete underscores his forward-thinking approach, ensuring his team’s sustainability while chasing Grand Slam glory. With Gutierrez, Luczak, Hewitt, and Boulter in his corner, the “Demon” is ready to exorcise his serving demons and make his mark on home soil—and beyond.
