LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Alex de Minaur practises with 20-year-old ATP youngster ahead of the 2026 season

Add as preferred source on Google

Alex de Minaur is currently preparing to embark on another whirlwind ATP Tour campaign in 2026.

The Australian, who won the Washington Open title this year, will be hoping to improve his Grand Slam record in 2026.

The ‘Demon’ has lost all five of his Grand Slam quarter-final appearances, never once reaching the semi-final stage.

However, with his speed and defensive ability, de Minaur is always a threat at Slams and will surely end that unfortunate run in 2026.

What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?

Ahead of the 2026 season, the world number seven has been practising with a young star from Lithuania.

Alex de Minaur practises with Vilius Gaubas

Alex de Minaur has been practising with 20-year-old Lithuanian star Vilius Gaubas during the off-season.

Gaubas, the world number 131, is a winner of three ATP Challenger Tour titles, most recently winning a clay court event in Braga, Portugal.

Vilius Gaubas of Lithuania with the Trophy after playing against Henrique Rocha of Portugal (not shown) during the final match of the Lisboa Belém Open 2025
Photo by Miguel Reis/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Gaubas, who made his ATP Tour main draw debut at the 2025 Italian Open, posted a short message on Instagram after practising with the Australian top 10 star.

On his Instagram story, Gaubas posted an image of himself and de Minaur with the message: “Thanks for the practise once again!”

De Minaur is set to begin his 2026 ATP campaign at the United Cup, which begins on January 2 in Australia.

The 26-year-old will play in the event alongside compatriot Maya Joint, who is an up-and-coming Australian star.

If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?

Mystery player (top left) in a circle overlay and an overview of Court One
Credit: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

Alex de Minaur’s 2025 United Cup campaign

Alex de Minaur paired with Olivia Gadecki at the 2025 United Cup. The nation was drawn in Group F alongside Great Britain and Argentina.

In the first contest, the Australians fell to a 2-1 defeat against Argentina. However, they bounced back emphatically, defeating Great Britain 2-1.

With all matches played in the group, Australia, Great Britain and Argentina had all won one match and lost one match.

Alex de Minaur of Australia and Olivia Gadecki of Australia celebrate defeating Olivia Nichols of Great Britain and Charles Broom of Great Britain during Day 6 of United Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena on January 01, 2025 in Sydney, Australia
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Unfortunately for Australian fans, their nation exited the tournament. Great Britain advanced from the group due to their superior sets record.