Alex de Minaur’s Runner-Up Struggles Continue as He Falls Short in Rotterdam Final
Alex de Minaur’s finals woes against top-10 opponents continued, as the Aussie fell short once again, this time in the Rotterdam Open title match. It marked the sixth time in his career that he has lost a big final to a top-ranked player, with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Roger Federer, and Alexander Zverev also besting him in previous title deciders.
Despite the setback, de Minaur has been in top form in 2025, reaching the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time and making it all the way to the final in Rotterdam. His strong performances have seen him climb to World No. 6, leapfrogging Grand Slam champions Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. If his momentum continues, the Aussie could soon break into the top five for the first time in his career.
A Tough Record Against the Game’s Best
While de Minaur has managed some victories against top-10 players, his overall record against the elite remains a concern. He holds an 0-10 head-to-head record against Jannik Sinner, the man who ended his Australian Open campaign. Against other top-ranked players, the numbers are similarly daunting:
- 0-3 vs. Carlos Alcaraz (World No. 3)
- 1-2 vs. Novak Djokovic (World No. 2)
- 2-8 vs. Alexander Zverev (World No. 2)
- 3-7 vs. Daniil Medvedev (World No. 7)
However, de Minaur has fared better against lower top-10 players, boasting:
- 5-5 vs. Taylor Fritz (World No. 4)
- 2-0 vs. Casper Ruud (World No. 5)
- 5-0 vs. Tommy Paul (World No. 9)
De Minaur Stays Positive Despite Setback
Following his Rotterdam Open final loss, de Minaur remained optimistic about his progress, acknowledging the improvements in his game while admitting there is more work to be done.
“It’s been a lot of improvements in my game over the last couple of years, and I’m going to keep on pushing for more.”
“It’s been two years now with this runner-up trophy—I’m hoping I’ll get my hand on the winner’s one day.”
The Aussie also revealed that he was struggling with illness throughout the tournament but still pushed through to the final.
“I’ve definitely been struggling off the court, so I’m happy with the effort and the level. I thought I had some chances today and maybe could have done a little bit more in certain moments, but he played well when it mattered.”
Can Alex de Minaur Win a Grand Slam?
Following his Australian Open quarter-final loss to Sinner, de Minaur admitted that his toughest matchup on tour is the Italian, and suggested that avoiding top players in the draw could help his Grand Slam chances.
“Tennis is so much about match-ups. I think right now my worst matchup on tour is probably Jannik. There’s a head-to-head that doesn’t lie.”
“If I’m in a different side of the draw, a different little section, then who knows? I genuinely think I’m going to give myself opportunities, and I don’t think my peak is making quarter-finals in a Slam.”
Despite his difficult track record against the game’s elite, de Minaur believes he has what it takes to break through on the biggest stage.
“I see other players that have made it further—semis, finals—and I do believe that I can be amongst them. If they have been able to accomplish that, then why not me?”
As de Minaur continues to elevate his game, the next challenge will be proving he can take down the world’s best in the matches that matter most.
