Alex de Minaur can’t pinpoint what it is about the US Open that brings out his best tennis, but he is confident a big result is on the cards for him at this year’s slam.
The top-ranked Australian star is in the final stages of his preparations for his 10th US Open appearance where he is hunting his first-ever grand slam title.
Alex De Minaur returns a shot in his practice Getty Images
With last year’s tournament runner-up Jannik Sinner out due to a knee injury and reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz battling “intrusive thoughts” after a four-month layoff with to a wrist injury, this could be de Minaur’s best chance of victory yet.
De Minaur has been drawn a qualifier in the opening round of the tournament and will be likely to face Dutchman Botic va de Zandschulp in the second round.
If he is to advance through both those rounds, he will possibly meet 31st seed Zizou Bergs of Belgium in the third round.
De Minaur had expressed his disappointment in not taking advantage of the easier pathways through to the final stages of a major tournament when he bowed out in the third round of the French Open.
A three-time quarter-finalist on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows, the majority of de Minaur’s success often comes on the hard surface during his ATP Tour runs.
While his time after that tournament was spent with his family and friends as he married British tennis star Katie Boulter, he has also kept focus on his skill.
“[The wedding] was a great time. We were able to take a second away from tennis and enjoy being with family and friends,” he told Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.
“But now we are back to work. We are excited to be here in New York. I think (my preparation) has been really good.
“New York is somewhere I’ve always brought out my best tennis and I feel comfortable. It has been great to get that under the belt, so far, so good.
“This time of year I am always very excited, I bring in the energy and the buzz in New York is always a little bit different. Once I get here, everything kind of clicks.
“It always just gets the best out of me. (Flushing Meadows) is a place that has treated me very, very well. I am hoping there is a little bit more of that this year.”
Kokkinakis in action AP Photo/Dave Shopland
While the 27-year-old will avoid Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev as they are on the opposite side of the draw, he will be keeping a close eye on rising star Rafael Jodar in his first-round match against Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Jodar has caught the attention of all in the tennis world over the past 12 months, climbing from 168th on the world rankings to 13th in the space of eight months.
The 19-year-old Spanish sensation was drawn Kokkinakis in the first round, with the Australian star openly admitting he is “struggling” with an ankle injury.
“I’m struggling … but I am trying my best,” he told Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.
“It is going to be a race against the clock. It has been tough prep, to be honest.
“I am trying to give myself every chance. It is usually a bit longer than what I am trying to squeeze it into. I am just taking it day by day.
“The goal is to have a proper prep going into the Australian Open.”
Kokkinakis conceded he would not be playing if was not a grand slam event – and drawing a talent like Jodar is not going to make his time on court any easier.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything quite like it as far as transitioning so quick,” he said of his first round opponent.
“Not even just fitting in, he is becoming an elite player straight away. It is unbelievable.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders and looks like he has been a pro for many years. He is a hell of a player, tough when you are 100 per cent let alone (injured).”
The first serve in the US Open main draw will take place on August 31 AEST.