MELBOURNE: 'Demon' is a great moniker and a no brainer play on Alex de Minaur's surname.
But it's also in complete contrast with the Australian's near angelic personality, summed up by his superb sportsmanship while taking down Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round on Tuesday night.
His wholesome relationship with fellow tennis ace Katie Boulter only adds to his deserved reputation as one of the genuine nice guys on tour.
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Alex de Minaur of Australia celebrates winning against Botic van de Zandschulp. Getty
But there is one ongoing area of criticism that can make the Weet-Bix Kid a little bit cranky.
The one knock on de Minaur's game is that while his determination, speed and court coverage has driven him to the lofty heights of No.8 in the world, he lacks the genuine weapons to win a grand slam.
"I can imagine he must be so annoyed by that because like, what can I do better?" Slovakian great Daniela Hantuchova said on Stan Sport's Grand Slam Daily.
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Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia interacts with Laura Robson of Great Britain. Getty
"He does everything almost perfect and it's working out. I just love the intensity, the consistency, and that's what I think is going to bring him very, very deep in this tournament."
De Minaur was clinical in beating the dangerous Dutchman 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.
His opponent will be unheralded American Tristan Boyer as he continues his bid to break a 49 year drought for Aussie men at their home major.
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Australian Open 2025 in pictures: Alex de Minaur completes post-match dash to support Katie Boulter
"The intensity he brought to the court from the first point was incredible," Hantuchova said of de Minaur's first round performance.
"It was on another level with his footwork and the Dutch player in the first set seemed like 'OK, it's time, time to wake up,' because otherwise the train might be gone before he even realises.
"But I just love his attitude, the way he's taking all the expectations and pressure, but in the most positive way. And he's using every bit of the energy of the crowd to play his best tennis, which he did for most of the match."
Hantuchova – a former singles semi-finalist at Melbourne Park – also argued that the 25-year-old from Sydney did in fact possess the requisite tools to win a grand slam.
"Absolutely – and the biggest one that every player is looking for is the consistency," she said.
"I mean, he is so solid, he doesn't give anything away. His attitude again – talent is one thing, but if you don't have the attitude, forget it. So he's just a wonderful example that you don't have to have that big shot. And look what he's doing."
