Alex de Minaur, "The Demon," carries the hopes of a nation at the Australian Open. But tennis legend Jim Courier believes something crucial is holding him back from Grand Slam glory, and it's not just his tough record against top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Could it be all in his head?
Courier, a former world number one, suggests that a crucial mindset shift and a deeper trust in his fundamental technique are the keys to unlocking de Minaur's full potential. "He's so close!" Courier exclaimed in a recent interview. "He's been in so many quarterfinals, and he just needs to keep taking things step by step." Courier emphasizes incremental improvements – a little faster, a little stronger, a little more consistent. "The elements are falling into place," he says, "he just has to be ready to take his chances, and that is where he's struggling."
Courier recalls the US Open quarterfinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime, where he felt de Minaur had a genuine opportunity to progress. "But the moment got to him," Courier observed. "He is so determined, but he needs to be able to rise to the challenge, block out the noise, and focus on his game."
De Minaur's quarterfinal record at Grand Slams is currently 0-6. He consistently reaches the later stages of major tournaments, but struggles to make that final leap into the semi-finals and beyond. No one doubts his heart or his relentless determination, but many observers believe he lacks the raw firepower to consistently defeat players like Sinner, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic.
Fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis echoed this sentiment before de Minaur's first-round match. "He might not have weapons as far as firepower goes, but people probably would have said that about Lleyton (Hewitt) as well," Kokkinakis noted. "These guys have other weapons. Demon's mentality is incredible. He is one of the fastest players on tour, and he has a great attitude, and he is always looking to improve." Kokkinakis acknowledges the disparity in raw power compared to players like Alcaraz, but highlights de Minaur's other strengths, emphasizing that anything can happen in a Grand Slam. "Guys can get injured, guys can pull out, they can maybe have an off day, and he could be right there, ready to pounce."
But here's where it gets controversial... Courier dives deeper, pinpointing de Minaur's grip as a potential limiting factor. He explains that it restricts his ability to generate the same level of power and attack points as effectively as Sinner and Alcaraz. "Where it's tricky is he can't fall back on power," Courier explains. "Alex didn't grow up as an overpowering player. He uses defence and counter-attacks to be successful and to win points."
Courier elaborates that the amount of spin de Minaur imparts on the ball, influenced by his grip, also limits his attacking options. "You need spin to keep the ball in the court, and his grips don't give him what some of his opponents have. So he can't swing as hard as them, and he has to be mindful of that." He then offers an encouraging perspective, "But as I like to say, you have to dance with the date you brought. You have to work with what you have got and to maximise that potential and use the weapons at your disposal." Courier concludes, "All he can do is try to maximise his potential, and I don't know anyone who is doing more to try and do just that."
For tennis beginners, understanding grips is crucial. De Minaur's forehand grip is generally classified as an Eastern grip. This grip facilitates flatter, faster shots, but it doesn't generate the same amount of topspin and shape as grips like the Continental or modern Semi-Western/Western grips favored by players like Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic. These latter grips allow for greater topspin, which in turn allows players to swing harder and generate more power while still maintaining control.
While Courier believes in trusting his strengths, de Minaur faces a daunting path at the Australian Open.
He begins his campaign against American lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald. A win there could lead to matches against Mariano Navone or Hamad Medjedovic. Then the path intensifies dramatically with potential clashes against Francis Tiafoe, Alexander Bublik, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and potentially Jannik Sinner in the final! Talk about a gauntlet!
And this is the part most people miss... Courier has also been busy off the court, partnering with Uber. He humorously notes that his last name made him a natural fit for the delivery service. In a new ad, Courier trades his microphone for a food delivery backpack, bringing meals to Uber Eats customers. "With the perfect last name, I couldn't resist teaming up with the food delivery service," Courier joked. He even has ideas for future campaigns featuring other players, such as Jannik Sinner ("Sinner and dinner"), Casper Ruud, and Iga Swiatek.
So, what do you think? Is de Minaur's grip truly holding him back, or is it simply a matter of mental fortitude and capitalizing on opportunities? Can he overcome his tough draw and make a deep run at the Australian Open? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
