Wimbledon is in his immediate sights but Alex de Minaur says he would “do anything I can” for an Olympic medal after being confirmed as one of five first-time Olympians in a nine-person Australian team headed to Paris.
Australia will have four men – de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, Chris O’Connell and Rinky Hijikata – contest the men’s singles, with Ajla Tomljanovic, returning for a second Olympics, in the women’s singles.
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Ellen Perez will partner Daria Saville in the women’s doubles, with Matt Ebden to team up with Tokyo mixed doubles bronze medallist John Peers in the men’s doubles. De Minaur and Popyrin will also compete in the men’s doubles.
A Davis Cup stalwart, de Minaur has long placed representing his country at the top of his list and now gets to do it as an Olympian.
“I have always wanted to be an Olympian and I am just so excited to represent the green and gold in Paris,” he said, having missed the Tokyo Games due to Covid.
“Obviously, last time round I got a little bit unlucky to not be able to play in Tokyo, but I’ve had my eyes set on Paris and I am super excited to now be officially part of this team.
“Representing Australia is always a pride and an honour and the Olympic Games is probably one of the highest accolades you can achieve. It is so special and of course you want to do your best because you’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for your team and your country.
“I would do anything that I could to try and get a medal for Australia.”
Ebden, Popyrin, O’Connell and Hijikata are all making their Olympic debuts.
Tomljanovic, Perez and Saville return for their second Olympic Games, while Peers will contest his third Olympics, equalling the second most Olympic appearances for an Australian men’s tennis player.
Tomljanovic, who earnt a wildcard into Wimbledon as she continues her comeback from injuries and illness, said after her Tokyo experience she wanted to return to the Olympics.
“It feels amazing to be selected to my second Olympic team,” she said.
“When Tokyo ended, I remember thinking to myself I have to work really hard to make it to Paris because being at the Olympics was a dream come true and I wanted to experience it again. So, to be officially selected feels great.
“I am feeling good, I feel like every match I have under my belt brings me closer to the level of play I want to get to. Physically, I am pulling up well after matches, which is the most important thing, so I am very happy with my health, and I think the more time I get on court the better I will be for Paris.”
Australian legends Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur will captain the team in Paris.