A Cross-Sport Inspiration
As Alex de Minaur, Australia’s top tennis player ranked world No. 9, prepares to lead his nation against Belgium in the 2025 Davis Cup in Sydney, he’s channeling the fearless spirit of the Wallabies, Australia’s rugby union team. De Minaur has drawn inspiration from Wallabies captain Harry Wilson’s bold decision to reject a draw and pursue victory against Argentina in a thrilling Rugby Championship match, a move that resonates with the tennis star’s own “never say die” mentality. The camaraderie between the two sports was on full display when Wallabies players Wilson and Corey Toole joined De Minaur and Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt for a hit at Sydney Olympic Park, sparking mutual admiration and a shared ethos of national pride.
The Wallabies’ Bold Move
The Wallabies’ dramatic 38-30 victory over Argentina on August 31, 2025, in La Plata, captured De Minaur’s attention. Facing a tight match, Wilson opted to go for the win rather than settle for a draw, a decision that paid off and showcased the team’s bravery. De Minaur, speaking ahead of the Davis Cup tie on September 12-14, 2025, praised the move: “That was amazing, to have the guts to go for it in that position, look, fortune favors the brave, and it just shows the type of attitude that we want all Australian athletes to have and just be fearless, go after it and have that never say die attitude like Lleyton showed us all.”
Wilson reciprocated the admiration, noting that the Wallabies draw inspiration from the Davis Cup team’s tenacity. “I think most Australians probably would have done the same thing [turning down the draw],” he said. “It’s probably no different to the way they fight back on the tennis court late in matches and try and get the win, we love seeing it.” This mutual respect underscores a shared Australian sporting ethos of backing oneself under pressure.
A Bond Forged in National Pride
De Minaur’s connection with the Wallabies runs deep. In January 2025, he invited Wilson and teammate Max Jorgensen to his player’s box during his third-round Australian Open win over Francisco Cerundolo, a gesture that strengthened their bond. On September 10, 2025, Wilson and Toole joined De Minaur and Hewitt at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre for a lighthearted hit, where discussions turned to representing Australia. De Minaur reflected, “You know, the passion and pride that they show every time they step out on the field, and that’s what we try to replicate as Australian athletes, and it’s just to represent your country with pride and passion and always leave it all out there, so that’s the beauty of it.”
Hewitt, a former world No. 1 and Davis Cup stalwart, has also followed the Wallabies closely, attending their dramatic second Test defeat against the British and Irish Lions at the MCG in 2025. His frustration with a non-penalized hit on Carlo Tizzano by Jac Morgan highlights his investment in the rugby team’s fight, further bridging the sports.
De Minaur’s Davis Cup Mission
De Minaur’s admiration for the Wallabies’ bravado comes at a pivotal moment as he leads Australia against Belgium in the Davis Cup group stage, aiming to advance to the Final 8 in Malaga. Fresh off a 2024 season with quarter-final runs at all four Grand Slams and a career-high ranking of No. 6, De Minaur is eager to embody the same fearless spirit. “We always back ourselves,” he said, echoing Wilson’s mindset. His leadership will be crucial against a Belgian team featuring Zizou Bergs, with Australia bolstered by players like Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jordan Thompson.
The Wallabies’ influence extends beyond De Minaur. Wilson noted that the Davis Cup team’s resilience inspires his squad, creating a cycle of motivation. “We love seeing how they fight back,” he said, highlighting the parallels between rugby’s physical battles and tennis’s mental grind.
Fan Buzz and a United Spirit
The cross-sport camaraderie has captured fans’ attention, with social media posts celebrating the connection. One X user wrote, “De Minaur and the Wallabies feeding off each other’s energy is peak Aussie spirit 🇦🇺” The United Cup, where De Minaur and fiancée Katie Boulter face off for Australia and Great Britain, adds another layer of intrigue to his competitive mindset, but it’s the Wallabies’ boldness that’s fueling his Davis Cup charge.
Looking Ahead
As De Minaur takes the court against Belgium, the Wallabies’ “fortune favors the brave” mentality will be front of mind. With Hewitt’s guidance and the backing of a nation, De Minaur aims to channel that bravado into a deep Davis Cup run, proving that Australian athletes, whether on the rugby field or tennis court, always back themselves. The Sydney tie promises to be a showcase of pride, passion, and the fearless spirit that unites Australia’s sporting heroes.
