Sports
Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-21 12:06:26
Kangaroo standout Emma Kearney will participate in North Melbourne's AFLW semifinal match against Port Adelaide.
Alex de Minaur will be available for Australia in their Davis Cup quarterfinal against the United States.
A surprising late addition to Australia's Davis Cup quarterfinal roster in Malaga, Ironman Alex de Minaur provides a significant boost. De Minaur's name was initially absent from Australia's lineup against the USA on Thursday evening, but the world number nine announced his participation following a "special" training session with retiring legend Rafael Nadal. After a demanding yet successful season hampered by a hip ailment, de Minaur's absence from the Cup finals was anticipated after he lost all three matches at last week's ATP Finals in Turin. "I'm delighted to return. This year has presented injury challenges, but my fitness has improved, and I'm prepared to compete," he remarked. "Provided my health permitted, I was always determined to contribute to Australia's efforts here." De Minaur is sure to be exceptionally motivated when he steps onto the court on Thursday.
Following his achievement as the first Australian since now-Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt in 2005 to advance to three consecutive grand slam quarterfinals, the 25-year-old had the privilege of practicing with Nadal before the former world number one's final tournament this week. "It was undoubtedly a momentous occasion," de Minaur stated. "I've had the good fortune to share the court with Rafa on several occasions, and while our practice sessions have been several, this one held particular significance, potentially being his final appearance. "It was rewarding to share one last practice with him."
Team USA possesses a powerful roster featuring 2024 US Open finalist and world number five Taylor Fritz, alongside fellow top-20 players Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton. However, de Minaur and world number 24 Alexei Popyrin, still celebrating their victory at the Montreal Masters 1000 tournament and subsequent triumph over Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows, aim to secure the crowd's support in Malaga's indoor stadium. The Sydney natives trained together in Alicante after their parents determined Spain provided the optimal environment for their tennis development. "Returning to Malaga is always enjoyable. We've cultivated a strong rapport with the fans over time," de Minaur commented. "Although this is an away match, we'll endeavor to win over the Spanish crowd, given our Spanish heritage. We hope to leverage this." The Australians—who finished second to Italy last year and also include world No.28 Jordan Thompson, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Olympic doubles gold medalist Matt Ebden—might face Jannik Sinner's team in the semifinals. The reigning champions will contend against Argentina in their Thursday quarterfinal match. "We've faced difficult matches in recent years and have consistently found a way to persevere and reach the final," Hewitt remarked. "That resilience will be necessary again on Thursday." Australia's last Davis Cup win was in 2003 in Melbourne, and Hewitt expresses hope that next year's finals will take place in Australia. "We're actively seeking to host the finals. We intend to submit a bid for next year," he said. "We believe we deserve that opportunity. I've been working diligently with the (International Tennis) Federation to secure it. "It's frustrating for these players to travel to Europe annually for the finals. "The significance of winning the Davis Cup finals in Australia was profound. Our nation boasts a rich history in this competition, spanning over a century. We'll await the outcome."