The Promise of Alex de Minaur
As Alex de Minaur prepares to compete in the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open, he reveals a powerful mantra he repeats daily before stepping onto the court.
For the fourth straight year, de Minaur has reached the second week of the Australian Open, showing he has mastered the pressure of being the top local favorite. Now, the question looms: Can he make it to the quarterfinals for the first time? After a tough comeback win against Francisco Cerúndolo, he now faces the challenge of Alex Michelsen. However, de Minaur believes the key to his success lies not just in his racket, but in his mindset. In his post-match press conference, he shared the personal promise he makes before every match.
Improving Throughout the Match
“Losing the first set wasn’t pretty, but I found a way to bounce back. That’s what matters—finding a way to get through tough moments, especially in the first week. I wasn’t feeling comfortable out there; things just weren’t going my way. But crossing that line felt great. The volley I made at the end of the second set was a game-changer, no doubt.”
A Constant Promise
“Before every match, I make a pact with myself—a promise to fight for every point, no matter what happens. Even if I were two sets down, my attitude wouldn’t change. I’d still compete just as hard. Of course, coming back to win the second set made things easier for me; otherwise, it would’ve been a much tougher physical battle. Winning that set made the finish line feel much closer.”
The Pressure of Playing at Home
“I’ve learned a lot over the years. Looking back, this was probably the first match I’ve played at the Australian Open where I didn’t feel comfortable. I felt the pressure, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what to do. I just told myself I had to compete, no matter what. Deep down, I knew this day would come—when nerves, pressure, and expectations would hit. And I’d rather win ugly than lose beautifully, right? Now, I need to raise my level for the next match.”
Dealing with the Heat of the Day Session
“There’s no better feeling than playing in front of a packed crowd, even during a scorching day session. The heat was brutal, and I could feel the crowd suffering with me, but they were there for me from the first point to the last. Growing up under the Australian sun, I was ready to play three, four, or even five sets. Physically, I felt good—I trust all the work I’ve put in, and that gave me the confidence to keep going.”
Facing Alex Michelsen in the Fourth Round
“I’ve played Michelsen twice, with one win each—once on clay, once on hard court. He’s playing well and has become a dangerous opponent full of confidence. He’ll come out with no fear, but I’ll do everything I can to make things difficult for him.”
Responding to Djokovic’s Praise
“When someone like Novak, who’s almost perfect in all aspects of his game, compliments you, it’s obviously very nice to hear. It’s always appreciated, especially after all the hard work you and your team put in behind the scenes. When other players take notice, it means you’re doing something right, and that’s a great feeling. In the past, I might have lost today’s match after dropping that first set. But this version of me is different: even when I’m not at my best, I will keep fighting until the end. I’ll always make it tough for whoever is on the other side of the net. I’ll build on this, and hopefully, bigger things are on the horizon for the next round.”
