VIDEO (WATCH): De Minaur’s Bizarre ‘Bounce Back’ Confession as “I Used A Banned Mind Coach” – And The Tape The ATP Desperately Wants Buried Is Now Leaking.
Alex de Minaur is up and running in the 2026 season after a hard-fought win over Jakub Mensik at the United Cup.
De Minaur lost his United Cup opener to Casper Ruud, although his Australia side did win the tie 2-1 overall.
Home favorite De Minaur was beaten 6-3, 6-3 by Ruud in Sydney, but he bounced back to beat Mensik 6-4, 6-1.
He needed 91 minutes to overcome the Czech ace at the United Cup, thus levelling the tie at 1-1 after Maya Joint lost to Barbora Krejcikova.
Which country do you think will win the United Cup?
stealthboxerPoland
boss_chaseGreat Britain.
marsh44United States
Alex de Minaur didn’t overthink Casper Ruud loss at the United Cup
De Minaur spoke of his redemption after the match, saying: “Obviously didn’t start the year as I wanted to, but as I said, I tried to not take that match too much into account.
“I thought Casper played really well. Something that I’ve done really well is bouncing back, so I’m very happy with the way I bounced back today.”
He added: “I definitely think I served better today, the first day I chucked in eight double faults which is very unlike me.
“Today I played really well, was able to counter-punch quite well, return his serve, and try to be aggressive.
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“Ultimately, if I give him too many chances, he’s way too good, he’s got too much firepower. I had to play on my terms, and of course, nothing better than being back here in Sydney.”
Alex de Minaur wins ‘confidence-building’ match against Jakub Mensik
De Minaur has risen the ATP rankings already in 2026, but the new world number six is currently fully focused on team success as opposed to individual glory.
However, the tides will quickly turn for the Australian Open, where the 26-year-old will be under huge pressure to perform.
De Minaur likes the pressure from Australian fans, but whether or not he can thrive in Melbourne remains to be seen.
What does Alex de Minaur need to change to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner?
george.pattenI honestly don’t think he can. He might have it in him to sneak a Slam if he can avoid both of them, though.
peter.lynchA superb player, but not much he can change at this stage given the ability of Sinner and Alcaraz, and he isn’t the only one in that position
kilham.maxA bigger serve world help! Not sure that’ll happen though.
He reached the quarterfinals in 2025 for his best-ever finish at the tournament, before losing to Jannik Sinner.
Sinner went on to lift the trophy, with the Italian again likely to be one of De Minaur’s biggest problems at the Australian Open.
He will have gained plenty of confidence from his ranking rise, his win over Mensik and his run last time out, but Sinner is certain to be a major stumbling block later this month.
READ MORE: The disastrous ATP record Alex de Minaur needs to fix if he wants to win big titles
Discussing his compatriot following his latest outing, Australian legend Todd Woodbridge said: “Well, he broke his opponent, didn’t he.
“First set, 58 minutes, it was tight, and then Jakub Mensik didn’t know where to go from there. That will be a very pleasing, uplifting, and confidence-building match for Alex.”
Another major boost arrived shortly after, when De Minaur partnered with Storm Hunter to doubles success over Czechia.
The victory has sent Australia into the quarterfinals of the United Cup, much to the delight of the home fans.