Why Nick Kyrgios firmly believes Alex de Minaur is good enough to win a grand slam – as he predicts a golden era for Aussie men’s tennis

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios has declared Alex de Minaur is more than capable of winning a grand slam across the course of his career.

It comes as Kyrgios, 29, recalled the moment he knew the current world number eight had the game to succeed on the ruthless ATP circuit.

‘I remember he was our orange boy at Davis Cup, we had won the tie and he needed to have some extra practice so I was like…..I’ll go out there and teach this little kid a lesson,’ Kyrgios told reporters after he confirmed his abdominal strain was only minor and would be fine to play in this year’s Australian Open.

‘I brought a beer out there, I remember and I was like, ‘This guy can’t be that good’. 

‘But it was a really close set. I was in my prime and he was only 17 and I was like, ‘This guy is going to be really solid.’

The polarising star added he has been impressed how de Minaur has worked tirelessly on his game in recent years, as well as being a ‘ridiculously good role model.’

Nick Kyrgios has declared Alex de Minaur is capable of winning a grand slam across the course of his career (pictured, playing together at the ATP Cup)

It comes as Kyrgios, 29, recalled the moment he knew the current world number eight had the game to succeed on the ATP circuit

Kyrgios is delighted to see Alexei Popyrin (25) and Jordan Thompson (27) both seeded at Melbourne Park, as he predicted a golden era for Aussie tennis (Kyrgios is pictured, with girlfriend Costeen Hatzi)

Kyrgios has been impressed with the maturity of Alex de Minaur as Australia’s number one ranked star (pictured, with girlfriend Katie Boulter)

Kyrgios – who plays British star Jacob Fearnley in the first-round on Monday – wasn’t done handing out praise.

He is delighted to see Alexei Popyrin (25) and Jordan Thompson (27) both seeded at Melbourne Park, as Kyrgios predicted a golden era for Aussie tennis.

‘I mean, men’s tennis in Australia right now is ridiculously strong. We have a lot of players, It is very deep,’ he said. 

‘Obviously Pop (Popyrin) is dangerous whenever he’s feeling good with that serve and winning the Masters event (Canadian Open).

‘I’m super happy for these guys because they put in all the hard work. 

I’ve known Thommo since basically he was in diapers. Just to see how well he’s transitioning and finally got into that seeding at a grand slam where it can really open up for him….he’s more than capable of doing some damage as well.

‘All these Aussie guys are really good. We have a good crop of young guys coming through as well so it’s a good time to be an Australian tennis fan.’

In terms of managing his own expectations, Kyrgios stated ‘its good to be back’ as in his eyes the ‘sport was getting a bit mundane.’

Meanwhile, de Minaur will launch his Open campaign against big-hitting Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

If he can get past van de Zandschulp, the local hope will play either a qualifier or Argentine Federico Coria in round two.

Popyrin has drawn Frenchman Corentin Moutet and could face countryman Rinky Hijikata in round two while Thompson opens against a qualifier.

The Australian Open begins on January 12.