In a decision he describes as "brutal," Australia's top-ranked male tennis player, Alex de Minaur, will miss a Davis Cup tie for the first time in his career. The call comes immediately after the 26-year-old soared to a new career-high ranking of world No.5.
A Painful Choice for National Pride
Following extensive discussions with Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt, de Minaur has prioritised his physical wellbeing ahead of next month's qualifying tie against Ecuador. The match is scheduled for February 6-7 on clay courts in South America, shortly after the Australian Open final.
"Over the last month I've been in constant communication with Lleyton and have decided that with the issues that my body has given me throughout the last year, it was smartest to just sit this one out," de Minaur stated in Sydney after leading Australia to the United Cup quarter-finals.
He emphasised his unwavering commitment to the team, confirming he will be available for the next tie and will be cheering on his teammates from afar.
Hewitt's Support and the Bigger Picture
Captain Lleyton Hewitt fully endorses his star player's difficult decision. Hewitt highlighted the challenging circumstances of the tie's timing, location, and surface, and a desire to avoid a repeat of past injury struggles.
"Considering the time of the year, where it is, the conditions, the surface, so many variables, it's really been working with Alex to not put him in a position like he was a year and a half ago, and had to play injured for nine months," Hewitt explained.
The plan, developed collaboratively, focuses on de Minaur's long-term career trajectory. A chronic hip issue previously marred his superb 2024 season, forcing a heartbreaking withdrawal from a Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic.
A First-Time Absence and Unwavering Passion
This marks a significant moment for de Minaur, for whom Davis Cup has been a lifelong priority. Since his debut as an 18-year-old in 2018—a narrow five-set loss to Alexander Zverev—he has only missed ties when injured in 2020 and 2024.
This is the first time he has voluntarily withdrawn from selection. His passion for the green and gold is permanently inked on his chest, with a "109" tattoo commemorating his status as Australia's 109th Davis Cup representative.
"It was a brutal decision," de Minaur admitted. "To me, there's no greater goal than to be able to lift the trophy one day with Lleyton, with the team, for Australia again."
With Australian No.2 Alexei Popyrin also unavailable, Hewitt has named a squad featuring James Duckworth, Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata, Jordan Thompson, and Thanasi Kokkinakis for the Ecuador challenge.
Riding a Wave of Momentum
De Minaur's decision follows a stellar period of success. His performances for Australia at the United Cup have solidified his rise to world No.5 in the 'live' rankings, a position set to be official when new standings are released.
This elevation means he is projected to be seeded fifth at the upcoming Australian Open, positioned behind only the sport's elite: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic. It caps a remarkable ascent for the six-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist.
