Alex de Minaur rewarded with Wimbledon wildcard

Alex de Minaur will make his Wimbledon debut next month after the Australian teenager was handed a wildcard in to the main draw on Wednesday.

The rising star won the ATP Challenger tournament in Nottingham over the weekend to effectively secure his spot as a reward for his recent good form.

De Minaur was outside the rankings cut-off when the Wimbledon main draw was set but has since jumped to a career-high ranking of world No.78.

The Sydney-born youngster rates grass as his best surface despite being raised in clay-loving Spain.

“Before I stepped foot on grass I decided that I was going to enjoy it and that was going to be my favourite,” he told RSN radio this week.

“At the moment I’m really happy with my level on court. I’m really confident and every time I step out on court I’m playing some great tennis.

“It’s great for me, especially on this surface. I really enjoy the grass and I’m enjoying every second on it.”

The Sydney-born youngster emulated countryman Nick Kyrgios to win the Nottingham tournament.

Kyrgios was 19 when he won there in 2014, and he went on to defeat then world No.1 Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.

Australian duo Lleyton Hewitt and Alex Bolt have also received a wildcard into the men’s doubles tournament.