Alex de Minaur, the 27-year-old tennis star from Sydney, has found a unique way to heal after his Wimbledon heartbreak. Instead of seeking solace in training or a quiet retreat, he chose to get married. De Minaur married fellow tennis player Katie Boulter just after Wimbledon, where he was eliminated in the round of 16 by Flavio Cobolli. The wedding, held in England, Tuscany, and Portofino, provided a much-needed break from the sport, with de Minaur going 13 days without touching a racquet.
This extended break from tennis is a significant change from the usual hectic schedule of professional tennis, which de Minaur believes should be shortened. He expressed his need for a break around this time of year, after the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double act and before the lead-up to the US Open. De Minaur's raw and emotional post-match news conference, where he seemed on the verge of tears, received a lot of attention. However, he believes it was overblown and that it took him a couple of days to get over it.
Despite the disappointment, de Minaur's ranking has risen to a career-high of world No. 5. He is now focused on channeling this success into mental resilience on the court, playing more freely, and carrying less weight on his shoulders. The pressure to win from the Australian tennis public is something he acknowledges, but he emphasizes that it mainly comes from himself and that he has earned the right for people to have opinions about him.
De Minaur's team remains unchanged, and he is confident that his current setup is working. He is the defending champion in Washington and faces a challenging opening match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who holds a significant head-to-head advantage. The article also mentions the presence of Lleyton Hewitt and his son Cruz Hewitt, who is making his tour-level debut in Washington.
The event was held at Ned's Club, a private members' club near the White House, and was presided over by venture capitalist Mark Ein. The highlight of the party was the hometown hero Frances Tiafoe, who stole the show despite being based in Florida. Tiafoe has trained at the Australian ambassador's residence, which is home to Washington's only grass tennis court.
In conclusion, de Minaur's marriage and extended break from tennis have provided him with a fresh perspective and a chance to recharge. He is now focused on using his success to build mental resilience and is confident in his current setup. The article also highlights the presence of other tennis stars and the unique setting of the event, adding to the overall intrigue and interest.
