Australia's No.1 hope, Alex de Minaur, has "as good a shot as anyone" to progress deep at Melbourne Park, according to Lleyton Hewitt.
In his first and only tournament before commencing his 2025 Australian Open campaign, de Minaur defeated Argentina's Tomás Martín Etcheverry and Great Britain's Billy Harris in straight-sets at the United Cup, showing promising signs that he's back to full fitness.
The 25-year-old suffered a hip cartilage tear during match point against Arthur Fils at last year's Wimbledon. However, he was forced to withdraw from his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic before hitting a ball.
Despite a two-month absence, de Minaur qualified for his maiden Nitto ATP Finals and ended 2024 ranked inside the top-10.
"This was the old me. I’ve got my legs back, everybody. I’m back," he said after his win against Harris.
"I struggled with an injury that sidelined me and took away one of my biggest assets, which was my movement and it took me a very long time to get back.
"It had been a long time since I felt my feet moving as quickly as they did today, and doing all of that without pain was a really good feeling.
"[It] gave me some goosebumps because it felt good to finally be back at that level."
Following his journey through the highs and lows is Hewitt, one of few people who understand what de Minaur has endured behind the scenes.
Given his recent injury struggles, these types of precious moments won't be taken for granted.
"I’m just so happy for Alex to be back playing like he wants to play again," Hewitt told AAP.
"Only probably his close-knit team know exactly what he’s been dealing with and how frustrating that’s been, and he still kept showing up and giving 100 per cent and not making excuses.
"The last week or so that he’s been here in training and doing the hard work, it’s been great to see him enjoy that pain-free and moving the way that he wants to.
"Like he always says, it’s about embracing this month of the year and enjoying the moments."
Although de Minaur achieved three consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final appearances, he bowed out in the fourth round in last January's major.
Bidding to become the first Aussie male to reach the Australian Open semi-finals since Hewitt himself when he made a run to the 2005 final, de Minaur is being backed for another positive charge.
"When you do end up being a washed-up old man, these are the moments you miss playing in front of your home crowd like this," Hewitt said.
"Alex has got as good a shot as anyone of obviously going deep at the Australian Open.
"But first things first, you’ve got to get there, and you take care of business and hopefully find a way to navigate your way into the second week of the slam, and then anything can happen."
The 2025 Australian Open main draw commences on Sunday, January 12.
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