Overview
- The Hong Kong Open semifinal between Andrey Rublev and Lorenzo Musetti later today will determine whether Alex de Minaur enters the Australian Open ranked No. 5.
- De Minaur defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at the United Cup, but Australia fell 2-1 to Poland, leaving him with 80 ranking points from the event.
- A move to No. 5 would make de Minaur the highest-ranked Australian man since Lleyton Hewitt in 2006.
- De Minaur said he is avoiding fixation on the standings and will discuss his ranking only once it is certain.
- Team captain Lleyton Hewitt praised the Hurkacz win as strong preparation for Melbourne, while teammate Maya Joint struggled after illness and suffered two straight-sets defeats.