"Best one today when Nick is not playing": Alex de Minaur 'close to top 10' and only bettered by Nick Kyrgios as an Aussie says Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal commented on Alex De Minaur's impressive moment after his victory over Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-4) in the United Cup, marking his first win against a world No. 1. This triumph led Australia to the semifinals of the team tournament. According to Nadal, the world No. 12 Australian already has the level to contend for significant titles.

Additionally, Nadal compared De Minaur to Nick Kyrgios and stated that, considering Kyrgios played only one professional match in 2023 and is still far from returning, De Minaur is currently the best Australian tennis player.

Nadal made a successful return to the Tour at the Brisbane International after an 11-month absence, securing victories over Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler without dropping a set. Despite not being at his best yet, the 22-times Grand Slam champion demonstrated his competitive level. Nadal remains attentive to the happenings on the Tour and was asked about the current status of Australian tennis players.

“How far away do you think this group of Australian players is of being able to push for the 2nd week of Grand Slams consistently?,” Nadal was asked.

“I think de Minaur is a player that is very close to the top 10. I don't see him far at all to fight for very important things, no? I think he has been improving the last couple years. He is able to create more damage on the opponents now than before,” he said.

“That's what, in my opinion, he needed. I think since last year he's able to damage more the opponents. I don't have the whole information to really analyze the situation the right way. But I see Alex as the best one today. Nick is not playing. That’s how I see,” Nadal concluded.

Nadal will play his next match in the quarterfinals against the Australian Jordan Thompson. The former world No. 1 leads the head-to-head 2-0, with their last encounter taking place at the 2022 French Open, where Nadal secured a comfortable victory with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.