United Cup
Hewitt no regrets about De Minaur sitting out decisive United Cup blended doubles
Aussie captain stated that he and De Minaur are protecting larger image in thoughts
January 09, 2026
2026 Getty Pictures
Alex De Minaur ranges Australia’s tie with Poland after defeating Hubert Hurkacz in Sydney.
By ATP Workers
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt had not regrets about resting Alex de Minaur within the decisive blended doubles towards Poland within the United Cup quarter-finals Friday night time in Sydney.
After his two-hour, 18 minute victory over Hubert Hurkacz to ship the tie to a deciding blended doubles, de Minaur didn’t entrance up for blended with Storm Hunter, like he did when Australia wanted the blended level to beat Czechia Tuesday to advance by means of the group levels.
Hunter teamed with John-Patrick Smith in a 6-4, 6-0 defeat to Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa.
“Alex was feeling a number of tweaks the previous few days,” Hewitt stated. “He is been doing a whole lot of coaching within the low season to prepare for five-set matches. We determined one of the best factor for his physique transferring ahead was to not put his hand as much as play blended tonight.
“Additionally, if you’re that second match, to show round straightaway and change on. You simply do not wish to threat damage as nicely at sure instances, particularly the quantity of transferring he needed to do tonight towards a bloody high quality participant on the market.”
De Minaur produced a heroic efficiency within the singles, saving 9 break factors throughout his first 4 service video games earlier than happening a streak of profitable 21 consecutive factors on serve by means of the late levels of the second set.
He received 82 per cent of first serves for the match, an enormous enchancment from 55 per cent and eight double faults in a scrappy opening-tie loss to Casper Ruud earlier within the match.
“I feel what was a bit of bit unusual for me was the quantity of double-faults,” de Minaur stated. “That is one thing I do not usually hit. Clearly that was what felt like an anomaly. We obtained again to the observe court docket, simply labored on a pair issues, a pair completely different feels.
“I am very pleased with my serving efficiency the next two matches, type of exhibiting all of the work that I put in. In fact, if I can land first serves and play with a whole lot of first serves, it makes my life a complete lot simpler. Makes me undoubtedly a extra harmful opponent.”
