This is despite the fact he’s opened the doors of his home in Alicante,a port city on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca,for his compatriots on the circuit to use as a temporary base. Many took up the offer when they were effectively stranded in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I don’t want to call myself a leader,” he says. “I kind of like to go about my business quite quietly and almost,if anything,lead by example. But it just shows that they value what I’ve been able to accomplish.
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“It feels great that all my fellow teammates,they can - I don’t know if ‘look up to’ is the right word - but respect me and be able to ask for maybe advice or tips.”
One of eight Australian men in the main draw – de Minaur and most of his compatriots were due to enjoy a get-together on Saturday night,with Australia’s Davis Cup captain and former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt,who was keen to share his experiences of success at the All England Club.
He’s more than happy to talk up their efforts,too,with Max Purcell “having a career-best year”,Jordan Thompson “very dangerous” on grass,and Christopher O’Connell “just getting better”. Alexei Popyrin,De Minaur said,has “got a big game”.
“I think it’s amazing the level all of the Aussies are showing and such a strong group of guys we’ve got in the top 100 and just looming up just outside,and we’re really showing how strong of a nation we are.”