In a surprising announcement, Alex de Minaur confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming Davis Cup tie in Ecuador, scheduled for February 7-8. The Australian tennis star described his decision as “brutal,” emphasizing his commitment to prioritize his health this season. De Minaur is set to achieve a career-high ranking of No. 5 next week.
Health Comes First
De Minaur, 26, faced challenges with a long-standing hip issue. He revealed that the high-altitude conditions in Quito’s clay courts have contributed to his decision. Despite his love for representing Australia, he noted that it was crucial to avoid pushing his body to its limits.
Support from Team Captain
Team captain Lleyton Hewitt fully supports De Minaur’s decision, prioritizing his long-term well-being over immediate participation. De Minaur has expressed gratitude for this understanding, stating, “I’ve been in constant communication with Lleyton.”
A Focus on the Future
De Minaur remains optimistic about future competitions, committing to return for the next round if Australia advances. “I’ll be cheering on the boys and super excited for that,” he assured fans.
Team Composition for Ecuador
The Australian squad for the Ecuador tie will feature James Duckworth, Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata, Jordan Thompson, and Thanasi Kokkinakis. They await either Norway or Great Britain in the second round, with hopes of qualifying for the final eight in Bologna later this year.
The Challenge of Davis Cup
Hewitt commented on the complexity of the draw and the challenges posed by the conditions. He emphasized the importance of De Minaur’s decision to prevent further injuries, recalling a difficult phase when De Minaur played injured for nine months.
Looking Ahead
De Minaur recently showcased strong performance in preparation for the Australian Open, defeating Jakub Mensik in straight sets. Meanwhile, fellow Australian Maya Joint, recovering from illness, is looking forward to her upcoming matches as she aims for a showdown with Iga Swiatek.
De Minaur’s decision underscores a thoughtful approach to athlete health and performance in the competitive world of tennis. His long-term goals remain centered on contributing to the Australian team and capturing the coveted Davis Cup trophy in the future.
