Alex de Minaur’s remarkable ascent in the world of tennis is a testament to his determination and resilience. In a recent episode of Australia’s #1 Sports Podcast, The Howie Games, the Australian tennis star shared the challenging circumstances that shaped his journey to top 10 in the tennis rankings.
Facing the harsh realities of life on tour, de Minaur candidly revealed, “I was staying at an eight euros a night hostel, essentially a backpackers’ accommodation with communal showers. I got to a room with eight beds in it.”
The tennis star admitted to feeling uneasy about leaving his belongings in the shared room, prompting him to carry them to the courts every day.
Describing the financial struggles at the lower ranks, de Minaur explained, “That was basically the life. You are not making much. And you have a lot of expenses. So you need to find a way of surviving through those lower ranks.”
From an initial ranking of 2040, de Minaur has continued to defy his critics, breaking into the top 10 in the world rankings. The next part of his inspiring journey has him on the centre court at the Australian Open, marking the first time a top 10 player has represented the country on home soil since Lleyton Hewett.
Listen to the latest Howie Games episode featuring the tennis sensation for a detailed insight into his rise. The episode is available on the LiSTNR app or wherever you get your podcasts.