Nick Kyrgios has never been shy about giving blunt, honest assessments of the men's game. This time, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist focused on his countryman and world no. 7, Alex de Minaur.
The finest Aussie wrapped up another season in the year-end top-10 and enjoyed his ATP Finals run. Kyrgios applauds de Minaur's reliability and the work ethic behind it, enjoying his effort and tennis.
At the same time, Nick frames Alex's challenge in today's landscape with realism. The era of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has reshaped the sport, leaving almost nothing for their opponents to grab.
Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated on the most notable scene, elevating their game in the best-of-five clashes and keeping the rest of the field from the Major glory.
Whilepossessing the engine, discipline and grit, de Minaur still lacks the firepower required to dictate against the two players who have set the standard. And without that initiative and firepower, it's extremely hard to pass them, even with the Sydney native's skills.
However, Kyrgios makes one thing clear. The moment chaos strikes a draw and causes Carlos or Jannik's early exit, Alex becomes one of the players capable of going all the way as one of genuine title threats.
With or withouta Major or a Masters 1000 crown in his cabinet, Kyrgios believes de Minaur's CV already speaks loudly. He has been in the elite group for a couple of years, working hard on his game and providing relentless improvements.
For now, Alex has collected one notable final at 26. He fell to Jannik Sinner in the 2023 Canada Masters title clash and missed his only chance to lift a big trophy. Still, he should get more opportunities in the future if he improves the most troubled element of his career.
Since beating three top-10 rivals at the 2024 United Cup, the Aussie has struggled against the rivals from the top. Since the 2024 Australian Open, de Minaur has collected only four top-10 wins, two at a Major and the ATP Finals.
Without more efficient display against the rivals from the group he belongs to, the Sydney native will miss chances to seek notable trophies. However, he will work hard on his game ahead of 2026 and wait for his opportunities.
"Alex will struggle in a best-of-five action at Majors, given how Carlos and Jannik are playing right now. However, if one of them suffers an early defeat, Alex stands among three or four players who have a chance to lift a trophy.
Whatever happens, and I know he may never win a Major or a Masters 1000 event, I still like what he is doing and how he plays. He has been in the top-10 for years and accomplished some amazing things," Nick Kyrgios said.
