'That's who we are as a people': How Demon's fighting spirit is rubbing off on Wallabies
Alex de Minaur said that he was inspired by Harry Wilson's brave decision to shun a draw and go all in for the win last Saturday.
That genuinely meant the world to the Wallabies captain, who sat in the tennis ace's coaches box at the Australian Open in January.
Wilson reckons the pressure he faced in the thrilling 28-24 win over Argentina was nothing compared with de Minaur's lonely life on court by himself during grand slam battles.
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Harry Wilson and Corey Toole pose with Alex de Minaur and Lleyton Hewitt. Getty
"That is really cool to hear," Wilson said when de Minaur's words were relayed to him in rainy Sydney on Wednesday.
"All the support we've gotten this week has been pretty special and I think most Australians probably would have done the same thing (chased a win instead of settling for a draw).
"And I think that's who we are as a people, we want to back ourselves and obviously that one worked there. It's probably no different to the way they fight back in the tennis world, late in matches and trying to win. We love seeing it."
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Corey Toole hits a forehand during a media opportunity at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre. Getty
Wilson and Wallabies winger Corey Toole - a former state level tennis player - teamed up for a hit of doubles against de Minaur and Lleyton Hewitt as they prepare for their respective internationals this weekend.
The Wallabies are hosting the Pumas in another Rugby Championship clash at Allianz Stadium while Australia are taking on Belgium in a Davis Cup tie at Ken Rosewall Arena.
"These weeks are the funnest (sic) in my schedule, that's for sure, because it's a very lonely sport throughout the year," said de Minaur, the world No.8 who lost in the US Open quarter-finals last week.
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"For me, the ultimate goal is to lift the title. That's been a priority of mine for my whole career. That's why I prioritise these weeks, no matter when it was in the schedule."
Wilson, who was also a very handy junior cricketer, said he was proud of the way he acquitted himself with the racquet.
Toole, the fastest man in Australian rugby, was blown away by the pace of de Minaur's serve but both loved the unique opportunity.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson laughs during a media opportunity at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre. Getty
"To be able to say we've rallied against them and Tooley, you've returned a few serves, I think it's something pretty cool to be able to say," Wilson said.
"The way he (de Minaur) always digs deep, just by himself and no-one else around him, he's pretty special. Wherever the ball was, he found a way to get it back and he definitely has that never-say-die attitude."
The Wallabies lie second in the Rugby Championship after two epic comebacks but they would prefer not to make that a habit.
Wallabies Harry Wilson and Corey Toole play tennis during a media opportunity at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre. Getty
"The mental resilience that you have to have as a tennis player is pretty unbelievable," Wilson said.
"We definitely want to start the game better and not put ourselves in those positions because, as you can see, they're quite stressful and I don't think (coach) Joe (Schmidt) enjoys being put in them either...
"It's just been trying to stack as many moments as we could and I'm sure that's what they've got to do as a tennis player."
