Former World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt has backed compatriot Alex de Minaur to make a deep run in the upcoming Australian Open. Alex de Minaur had an impressive run in 2024 and he would look to carry the same form in 2025.

The Australian made it to the fourth round of the Happy Slam in 2024 but lost to Andrey Rublev in a thrilling five-set contest.

Alex de Minaur is currently in ninth place in the PIF ATP Rankings with 3745 rating points under his belt and he would look to bring his best in his home slam. 

“Absolutely,” said the two-time major winner Hewitt on Australian Associated Press when asked if the 25-year-old can be a contender for the Australian Open title. “I’m just so happy for Alex to be back playing like he wants to play again. Only probably his close-knit team know exactly what he’s been dealing with and how frustrating that’s been, and he still kept showing up and giving 100 percent and not making excuses.”

Hewitt continued, “So, for me, the last week or so that he’s been here in training and doing the hard work, it’s been great to see him being able to enjoy that pain-free and moving the way that he wants to.

“The court and everything else starts coming together. And, like he always says, it’s about embracing this month of the year and enjoying the moments.”

Alex is yet to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. However, Hewitt has suggested that De Minaur has a good opportunity to perform well, “Alex has got as good a shot as anyone of obviously going deep at the Australian Open. But first things first, you’ve got to get there and you take care of business and hopefully find a way to navigate your way into the second week of the slam, and then anything can happen.”

The Australian Open 2025 will begin from January 12 onwards.