Australia’s top-ranked player Alex de Minaur is feeling fit and confident ahead of his home grand slam on Sunday, assuring fans that he has recovered from last year’s “freak” hip injury.

Not since Mark Edmondson’s win in 1976 has an Australian hoisted the men’s singles trophy at Melbourne Park. But de Minaur is confident he will be able to make his mark on this year’s event.

“I think it’s no secret there’s a big tournament coming up,” he said. “I’m obviously doing my best to be ready [and] be prepared.

“I feel like I’m a better version of myself every year that I’ve come into this tournament. I feel that I’ve improved in many different areas.”

The world’s No.8 men’s player will be aiming to improve on his previous performances at his home slam. Despite making the other three major quarter-finals in 2024, he is yet to progress past the fourth round at the Australian Open.

His hip injury forced him to the sidelines for a key part of the 2024 season, after he pulled out of a Wimbledon semi-final blockbuster against Novak Djokovic only hours before the match was scheduled.

The Australian star said on Tuesday that he has fully recovered, and is feeling fit ahead of the main draw start on Sunday.

“The biggest thing that’s back is my movement. That’s something that suffered a little bit of a hit after the injury last year,” de Minaur said.