De Minaur all set for Wimbledon push

Alex de Minaur is taking a glass-half-full approach into Wimbledon after having his quest for back-to-back Eastbourne titles dashed in the semi-finals.

Ever the perfectionist, de Minaur's three-set loss to big-hitting American Taylor Fritz gnawed a little.

But he's taking the positives out of falling short of defending a title for the first time in his career, believing it may prove a blessing.

"I'm always a very critical person of myself, always like to do a little bit better," the Australian No.1 said at the All England Club on Saturday.

"But, you know what, I'm probably feeling a little bit more refreshed than I did last year so that's a positive.

"I get to get ready, get a couple more days and hopefully I can have a real strong push to the end of my grass-court season."

Australia's only seed this year, de Minaur is also feeling more relaxed entering the tournament this year after moving into an air b n b nearby with his two sisters and mother.

"A bit more homey, not staying in a hotel in the middle of the city," he said.

"We have been staying at the house since Queen's. We had some home cooking there. We will change it up.

"It is always good to stay at a house. It is a different feel. You live out of a suit case for a lot of the year.

"We are staying in small apartments or hotel rooms, so it is good to get your space and feel chilled out."

De Minaur lost to exciting American Stefan Korda in the first round last year but has a much more comfortable on Tuesday against Bolivian baseliner Hugo Dellien.

"Last year was an extremely tough first round," said the 19th seed.

"There are no easy matches. But I am liking the way I am playing. I am liking my preparation coming in.

"It is about getting ready for Tuesday and hopefully I can execute my game plan and worry about my side of the court.

"I'm playing at a high level. If I can come out and play the tennis that I know I can, then hopefully I can put in a good performance and that is all I can ask of myself."