Sydney, Australia, 12 September 2025 | Jackson Mansell
The Culture Amp Australia Davis Cup team is gearing up for a crucial Qualifier 2nd Round tie against Belgium, set to take place this weekend at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. The Australian squad, led by Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson, is aiming for a return to the Davis Cup Final 8.
Alex de Minaur, currently ranked world No.8, will open the proceedings for Australia on Saturday, facing off against Belgium’s Raphael Collignon, who holds the world No.91 spot. Collignon arrives at the Davis Cup after a commendable performance at the US Open, where he notably defeated the No.12 seed, Casper Ruud.
De Minaur expressed his readiness for the challenge ahead, stating, “Ultimately he’s going to be ready. He’s going to come after me and my job is to make his life difficult, basically.” Playing on home ground at a venue he cherishes, De Minaur is hopeful of delivering a strong performance to give Australia a positive start.
Thompson Faces Belgian No.1
Meanwhile, Jordan Thompson will take on Belgian No.1 Zizou Bergs. This marks their first encounter, adding an element of unpredictability to the match. Thompson, known for his tenacity, will be looking to leverage his experience to secure a win for Australia.
Adding to the excitement, debutant Rinky Hijikata is set to make his Davis Cup debut in the doubles rubber, partnering with Olympic gold medallist John Peers. Hijikata, a Wimbledon 2025 men’s doubles finalist, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s an absolute dream come true. It’s the highest honour to represent your country and [I’m] just excited to wear the green and gold and rip in with the boys.”
Doubles Clash on the Horizon
The doubles match, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, will see Hijikata and Peers face the seasoned Belgian duo of Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen. The Belgian pair has been in formidable form, winning five of their last six rubbers together, presenting a challenging task for the Australian team.
Should the tie require reverse singles, De Minaur will again take to the court against Bergs, followed by a potential decider between Thompson and Collignon. The stakes are high, with a coveted spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna in November on the line.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Davis Cup has long been a prestigious event in the tennis calendar, with Australia boasting a rich history in the competition. The team is eager to reclaim its status among the elite, having last reached the Final 8 in 2023. The current lineup, featuring a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, reflects Australia’s strategic approach to blending experience with fresh talent.
Experts suggest that the outcome of this tie could have significant implications for the future of Australian tennis. A victory would not only boost the team’s confidence but also inspire a new generation of players. As the matches unfold, tennis enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely, eager to see how the Australian team performs under pressure.
By the Numbers:
- Alex de Minaur (AUS) No.8 vs. Raphael Collignon (BEL) No.91
- Jordan Thompson (AUS) No.77 vs. Zizou Bergs (BEL) No.46
- Rinky Hijikata (AUS)/John Peers (AUS) vs. Sander Gille (BEL)/Joran Vliegen (BEL)
The matches will be broadcast live on the Nine Network and beIN Sports, allowing fans across the globe to tune in and witness the drama unfold.
As the weekend approaches, the Australian team remains focused and determined, with hopes of delivering a memorable performance that could pave the way for future successes on the international stage.
