Alex de Minaur, Australia’s world No. 9 and top-ranked male player, faced what was described as an “insulting call” from French Open 2025 organizers when he was scheduled to play his first-round match against Laslo Djere on Court 14, a smaller outside court, despite his top-10 status. The decision, which saw the 26-year-old “chucked at the back” of Roland Garros, sparked criticism as de Minaur, with 27 tour wins in 2025 and a career-best No. 6 ranking in 2024, was overlooked for a main stadium court. This snub, coupled with broader player discontent, particularly from Ons Jabeur over women’s scheduling, fueled backlash against the tournament’s organization.
De Minaur’s Match and Reaction
De Minaur overcame blustery conditions and blisters on his toes to defeat Djere 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(8/6) in a 2.5-hour match on May 27, 2025, extending his streak of 20 consecutive Grand Slam wins against unseeded players. Despite a mid-match medical timeout for his foot, he saved four set points in the third-set tiebreak, showcasing his trademark speed and resilience. Post-match, de Minaur downplayed the scheduling slight, saying, “It was cold, it was windy… but ultimately, you gotta find a way,” and apologized for the “not pretty” sight of his blistered toes on the big screen. Channel 9’s Brett Phillips noted on SEN Radio, “They always chuck Alex right at the back. He flies under the radar,” reflecting de Minaur’s low-key approach.
His Court 14 assignment, one of the larger outside courts but lacking the prestige of Court Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen, contrasted with his stellar 2025 clay season, including 10 wins and quarterfinal runs in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and last year’s French Open. De Minaur’s next match against Alexander Bublik, who defeated Australian James Duckworth 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, was also set for an outside court.
Player Backlash and Tournament Criticism
The scheduling of de Minaur on Court 14 was part of a broader wave of player dissatisfaction at Roland Garros 2025. Ons Jabeur, the world No. 10, led criticism of the tournament’s bias toward men’s matches in night sessions, arguing women’s singles were unfairly sidelined. This echoed past years’ complaints about gender disparities in scheduling. De Minaur’s placement, despite his No. 9 seeding and clay-court credentials, highlighted perceived disrespect for non-European players, with some fans on X, like @TennisFanAU, calling it “a joke for a top-10 player.”
The tournament’s decisions were further scrutinized amid other controversies, such as Novak Djokovic’s roof dispute, and Emma Raducanu’s scheduling complaints. De Minaur’s tough draw, potentially facing Jakub Mensik, Jack Draper, and Jannik Sinner (against whom he’s 0-10), added to the narrative of an uphill battle.
Context of De Minaur’s Season and Persona
De Minaur’s 2025 season has been marked by consistency, with quarterfinals at the Australian Open and deep runs across surfaces. His 74% first-serve points won and No. 1 ATP return ranking underline his elite counterpunching, though critics on X, label him the “worst top-10 player” for lacking Sinner’s or Carlos Alcaraz’s firepower. His reserved demeanor, described as “serious” and lacking Kyrgios’ charisma, may contribute to his underdog status.
De Minaur’s clay evolution, from a 25-31 career record to a 2024 quarterfinal, has been notable. He declared himself a “clay specialist” after upsetting Daniil Medvedev last year, and his 2025 preparation included rest to avoid mental burnout. His superfan, 14-year-old Paul, returned to cheer him on, boosting morale.
Parallels to Other Sports Narratives
De Minaur’s scheduling snub mirrors other athletes facing external challenges. Iga Swiatek’s “predictable” jab at Raducanu, reflects the pressure de Minaur faces to prove himself. Coco Gauff’s Serena Williams tribute, contrasts with de Minaur’s quieter approach, while Gerwyn Price’s confidence against Luke Littler in darts, parallels de Minaur’s resilience. Fallon Sherrock’s rivalry with Beau Greaves, and Jack Grealish’s career reset, echo de Minaur’s underdog fight.
Conclusion
Alex de Minaur’s assignment to Court 14 for his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(8/6) win over Laslo Djere at the French Open 2025, despite his No. 9 seeding, was labeled an “insulting call,” fueling player backlash alongside Ons Jabeur’s scheduling critiques. De Minaur’s grit, overcoming blisters and windy conditions, and his 20-match Grand Slam streak against unseeded players, highlight his resilience. Facing Bublik next and a tough draw, de Minaur’s underdog status, like Price’s and Sherrock’s focus, drives his Roland Garros quest.
