Alex De Minaur can 'absolutely' challenge for Australian Open, says Lleyton Hewitt, as Demon declares 'I'm back'

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Alex De Minaur claimed that he was back to the "old me" following recent struggles, as his Australia team beat Great Britain in the United Cup on Wednesday. Australia failed to progress into the quarter-finals, but team captain Lleyton Hewitt said that his compatriot stood an excellent chance of impressing at the upcoming Grand Slam in Melbourne, live on Eurosport and discovery+.

Highlights: Djokovic and Kyrgios knocked out in entertaining doubles clash

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A bullish Alex De Minaur has claimed "I'm back", as his Australia United Cup skipper Lleyton Hewitt backed him for a deep run at the upcoming Australian Open.

The 2025 edition kicks off on January 12, live on Eurosport and discovery+, with men’s world No. 9 De Minaur the best hope on paper for home fans.

Nick Kyrgios has threatened greatness, but despite a recent return to action, there is no guarantee he will find his way back to his best in time for this year’s competition, given fitness concerns.

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De Minaur starred in the United Cup on Wednesday as Australia claimed a 2-1 victory against Great Britain.

"This was the old me. I’ve got my legs back, everybody. I’m back," he declared.

"I struggled with an injury that sidelined me and took away one of my biggest assets, which was my movement, and it took me a very long time to get back.

"It had been a long time since I felt my feet moving as quickly as they did today, and doing all of that without pain was a really good feeling.

"Gave me some goosebumps because it felt good to finally be back at that level."

Hewitt - a two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 - believes De Minaur is capable of impressing in Melbourne.

"Absolutely," he told AAP. "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.

"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."

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He added: "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."

GB face Poland test

Despite Australia’s 2-1 win against Great Britain, it was only the latter who proceeded to the quarter-finals after Katie Boulter beat Olivia Gadecki.

Next, GB face a Polish team containing Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek, with their own line-up of Billy Harris, Katie Boulter, and Charles Broom.

Wednesday results

Round robins