After Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur suffered from an unfortunate hip cartilage tear in early July that forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon, fans were unsure whether he would be able to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Thankfully, de Minaur has made a speedy recovery and has announced that he would line up for Australia!
However, a new issue now presents itself… the possibility that he may be required to face his partner Katie Boulter in the mixed doubles.
De Minaur confirmed the happy news in an Instagram post on July 23. “To finally be able to represent Australia in the Olympics is a dream come true,” he said.
“I’m very passionate when I play for my country and wear the green and gold, so this is another one of those moments. I’m extremely excited to lace up for Paris 2024.”
Paris 2024 marks de Minaur’s debut at the Olympic Games after he was forced out of the Tokyo Games after contracting COVID-19. De Minaur will lead an Aussie team that includes Ajila Tomlijanovic, Alexei Popyrin, Daria Saville, Rinky Hijikata, Ellen Perez, Matthew Ebden, John Peers and Olivia Gadecki.
It is common knowledge that the tennis tournament at the Olympic Games features five medal events – singles and doubles for both men and women and mixed doubles.
While de Minaur and Boulter will both compete in the singles competition, there is the possibility that they could find themselves facing each other in the mixed doubles.
The British tennis player will also make her Olympic debut in Paris, proving to be a very exciting time for the happy couple. However, if Australia draws England, the pair could find themselves in the somewhat uncomfortable situation of competing against each other to win a medal.
