Alex de Minaur was asked about his wedding planning after victory. His fiancée's reaction said it all
Updated . First published at
Alex de Minaur walks out onto Rod Laver Arena carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
The highest-ranking Australian men's player in a generation, thousands of fans desperate to see him succeed fill the seats.
But the 26-year-old world No.6 doesn't fear the expectation.
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"In my brain, I don't associate playing in Australia as playing with pressure," he says.
"I associate it with excitement.
"Since I was a little kid, this is where I wanted to be, where I wanted to play, in front of packed crowds."
Jim Courier and Alex de Minaur. Nine
Somewhat shorter and without as much natural strength as many other top-ranked men in the ATP Tour, de Minaur has proven himself a contender for greatness and filled Australian fans with immense hope of local glory in the men's game for the first time in years.
That was on show on Friday night when he overpowered American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets, becoming the first Australian player to make the round of 16 at the AO on five consecutive occasions.
Speaking to Jim Courier on court after the win, a humble de Minaur's earned rapturous cheers from the crowd as he charmed them when asked about his number one fan in the arena: his fiancée and fellow tennis player Katie Boulter.
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The two are engaged and planning for a wedding sometime this year is in full swing.
When Courier asked how much he would contribute to organising the big day, de Minaur returned with, "Are you doubting me, Jim?"
"No, this is like a 50/50 relationship right," de Minaur continued to the laughs of the crowd.
"Honestly, the fact we're both tennis players and have quite a busy schedule, we are doing as much as we can together and I've been involved so far with some of the decisions," he said, deadpan, as the cameras cut to Boulter with a disbelieving frown on her face.
Katie Boulter in the stands. Nine
The crowd lapped it up, proof of the starpower of the young Australian with a fighter tenacity that means he won't shirk the burden of expectation from his home fans.
"I'm truly fortunate to be in this position," he said.
"And yes, it gets stressful at times, but that's only because I want it so bad."So I'll do my best."
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Aussie said his confidence is high and thanked Boulter for supporting him, even though he does make it tough on her during the match.
"Yeah, more than anything I'm probably thinking how much she must be hating me as she's watching the match and going through all those tough moments.
"I would say that the vast majority of my matches aren't simple. There's always twists and turns and nervy moments, so I'm sure she's not enjoying every second of it, as she's probably quite stressed out.
"But, of course, it's incredible to have her in the stands supporting me.
"It does mean a lot and helps me out a lot, as well."
