A lingering injury cloud is not going to slow Alex de Minaur's quest to go deep in the 2025 Australian Open, according to his Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt.
De Minaur's career-best season has been derailed since Wimbledon by ongoing issues with his hip, after he injured it in a fourth round victory at that tournament.
His return to the circuit in recent weeks has prompted many questions as to the extent of his recovery, as he bowed out in the quarterfinals at the European Open.
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Hewitt has previously hinted that de Minaur's plan to compete in the Davis Cup and ATP Finals could be complicated as he continues to brush off "the cobwebs" from his time on the sidelines.
"He's really just trying to build up the matches now," Hewitt said.
"It's now just about getting back into the groove with match practice.
"He's been training hard, but he's just got to get confidence back in the body.
"I don't think he was really prepared to play (in Antwerp). It was kinda of just trying to get the cobwebs out and actually play a couple of matches before he goes into playing a 500 this week.
"Obviously, really frustrating times but he's got to get physically right but also mentally be fresh and rested."
When asked if the 25-year-old will definitely take the court for the Davis Cup final, Hewitt responded: "A lot depends over the next month."
Hewitt remained confident the work ethic and determination of the top-ranked Aussie will see him achieve success at the Australian Open, with his top 10 ranking key to a kind draw.
"The higher you get seeded, it takes out some of the other dangerous players that you see at the top of the game and sometimes you get some floaters going through the draw that you've got to avoid," Hewitt said.
"You can't take anything for granted but when you do get seeded, especially if you are pushing towards the top eight of top 10 seeding [you have a strong chance to go far].
"He certainly wants to push deeper. He's only made the round of 16 in the Australian Open and the last three majors after that this year have been quarterfinals.
"He's got a bit more firepower now… all signs are leaning the right way.
"Fingers crossed he can tick that off and at least make the final eight."
With the United Cup draw confirmed for January, de Minaur's mindset will be focused on using the tournament as preparation for his home slam.
The United Cup tournament will see the top-ranked Aussie seek revenge on Great Britain's Jack Draper, who he was defeated by at the US Open in September.
The draw could also see de Minaur face his partner, Katie Boulter, in the mixed doubles event.
"He will be really happy playing in Sydney," Hewitt said of de Minaur.
"He always plays well on that court, he gets the home crowd advantage too.
"Hopefully, he can push deep, you know, he wants to try and get through as many matches as possible in the United Cup to give himself the best preparation for the Australian Open."
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