Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur is one of the most tenacious players on the court. He stamped his authority when he made his debut eight years ago. Like most players he watched while growing up, Alex had one dream: to represent Australia in the Davis Cup.
Alex’s dream eventually came true in 2018, when he made his debut against Germany in Brisbane. He celebrated the occasion in a very special way, something he will carry with him forever. The player stepped foot in a tattoo parlor for the first and only time in his life.
Alex went out with Jordan Thompson in Melbourne, just days after making his debut, and got inked. It was a small tattoo, but it bears a special significance for de Minaur.
Following his victory over Pablo Andujar at the Australian Open last year, de Minaur was asked to explain the meaning behind his tattoo. “109 is my Davis Cup number. So, I’m the 109th Australian to be able to represent Australia in the Davis Cup,” he said (via Fox Sports Australia).
Alex got the number inked on his chest. Jordan Thomspon got a similar tattoo after his debut, which in turn inspired Alex to get his. De Minaur added that Thompson had accompanied him to the same tattoo parlor when he got inked.
Alex de Minaur fell in love with the Davis Cup while growing up
The Davis Cup is one of the biggest tournaments, akin to being called the World Cup of tennis. It is a team event, and each country tries to outdo the other by laying it all on the line.
In recent years, the tournament’s popularity has suffered quite a lot. It has undergone a number of changes, and not all of them have worked out in its favor. The tournament has not been able to recover since it underwent controversial changes in its format.
However, de Minaur grew up watching the international spectacle. He fell in love with tennis as he watched the Australian captain, Lleyton Hewitt, give his all to emerge victorious. Alex fondly recalled what it was like, watching what it meant for players to be able to represent their country.
“It was always special, to see how much extra oomph, intensity, passion there was when it came to Davis Cup. What it meant, the different players, what they used to get up to, how nervous and tight they were because they all wanted to perform for their country,” he said.
The Australian team faced off against the Czech Republic in the knockouts and emerged victorious this year. This win sealed their semifinal berth, and they will play against Finland next.