Along with the world No 24, Alex de Minaur will lead the local charge in Melbourne with nine other men and six women also flying the flag
Alex de Minaur hits a return against Andy Murray at the Kooyong Classic in the build-up to the Australian Open.Alex de Minaur hits a return against Andy Murray at the Kooyong Classic in the build-up to the Australian Open., Alex de Minaur would be a headline act in Melbourne’s metropolitan newspapers and a lead item on all TV news bulletins.
“Alex is under the radar because Nick is Nick,” McNamee said. “The rankings don’t lie. With Nick and Alex, it is great to have two guys who are going to be doing some stuff. “I mean Alex, you can’t fault his preparation. And the other guy has had no preparation, but that is par for the course and it doesn’t mean Nick won’t play great at Melbourne Park.”
It is a year since Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis claimed the Australian Open doubles title, either thrilling or appalling fans depending on their appreciation of tennis traditions. No matter the opinion, there is no dispute the Special Ks were a headline act and with Kyrgios now a Wimbledon finalist and Kokkinakis back in form, both will carry strong support.
But it is Australia’s two top-ranked men who appear the most likely to mount a charge deep into the second week of their home grand slam. Their draws are appealing. De Minaur, the 22nd seed, opens against a qualifier, while the 19th-seeded Kyrgios plays world No 98 Roman Safiullin.
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