Another 'Down Under' wonder? Agassi thinks so!

Former world number one Andre Agassi has backed Australia’s Alex de Minaur to win a Grand Slam in the near future. The 25-year-old is being often regarded as one of the most improved players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category.

It is because of those improvements that De Minaur has managed to participate in the ongoing ATP Finals. The mega-event, which is the last in the men’s tennis calendar, is currently underway in Turin, Italy where top eight players are participating to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize. Former world number one Agassi has recently spoken to Nine News where he praised the young Australian. The 54-year-old was of the opinion that De Minaur has all the ability to win a Grand Slam in the near future.

"Watching the Demon go has been remarkable,” he said. “The way he plays the game, the way he's able to counter the intensity of the huge ball-striking, his movement is something spectacular, one of the great athletes, and he's also getting very provocative out there offensively. So he's maximising his game and I think he can only get better. I hope so [he can win a Grand Slam] When it comes to down the end, sometimes it's not about what you have; it's about how you play in that moment, and he's one of the best competitors out there. So nothing would surprise me."

De Minaur does not have a great record while playing in a Grand Slam. The Sydney-born has never managed to play in the semifinal or beyond in any major event. However, in 2024, De Minaur played in the quarterfinal of three out of four Grand Slams. The reigning world number nine is placed in a group with the world number one Italy’s Jannik Sinner, 2024 US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and one-time Grand Slam winner Russia’s Daniil Medvedev. He lost his first game of the competition against the Italian tennis star in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4. De Minaur’s next match will be against Fritz on Thursday.