Alex de Minaur, Australia’s world No. 9, spearheaded the largest Australian contingent at the French Open in 35 years, with 16 players in the main draw, a milestone not seen since 1990. His confident 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(8/6) first-round win over Laslo Djere on May 27, 2025, on Court 14, despite windy conditions and blisters, sent a warning of his intent to surpass his 2024 Roland Garros quarterfinal run. However, the historic moment was bittersweet, overshadowed by “sad scenes” as compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic retired unwell during her Morocco Open semifinal against rising star Maya Joint, who joined de Minaur in the French Open draw.
De Minaur’s Performance and Ambition
De Minaur’s victory over Djere, his third in three meetings, showcased his clay-court evolution, saving four set points in a tense third-set tiebreak. His 27 tour wins in 2025, including Monte Carlo and Barcelona quarterfinals, and a career-high No. 6 ranking in 2024, underline his form. Post-match, he declared, “For me, the biggest thing… is not just being out here to make up the numbers, but actually planning on going the distance,” signaling his goal to lift the trophy. His speed and counterpunching, earning him the “Speed Demon” nickname, were key, though his blistered toes required medical attention.
His next match against Alexander Bublik, who beat Australian James Duckworth 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, presents another challenge, with a potential third-round clash against Jakub Mensik and a daunting quarterfinal against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, against whom he is 0-10. De Minaur’s confidence stems from a strong clay season, with nine wins in 13 matches, surpassing his 2024 total.
Historic Aussie Contingent and Tomljanovic’s Setback
The 16 Australians, including Daria Saville, who qualified by beating Taylor Townsend 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, mark a high point for Aussie tennis. Saville faces top seed Madison Keys in round one, while Maya Joint and Tomljanovic meet in an all-Aussie clash. Joint’s Morocco final run, reaching her first WTA final after Tomljanovic’s retirement at 6-4 down, highlighted her rise at 19, but Tomljanovic’s withdrawal due to illness cast a shadow. De Minaur noted the contingent’s size reflects Australian tennis’ health, saying, “The number of compatriots that have qualified… shows that Australian tennis is in good shape.”
Broader Tournament Context and Backlash
De Minaur’s Court 14 scheduling, deemed “insulting” for a top-10 player, fueled player backlash, alongside Ons Jabeur’s criticism of women’s night-session exclusion. His 2024 quarterfinal run, the first by an Australian man since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004, was marred by a Tennis Channel graphic omitting Ash Barty’s 2019 title and Sam Stosur’s finals, prompting Rennae Stubbs to call out the oversight. These issues echo other controversies, like Novak Djokovic’s roof dispute and Emma Raducanu’s scheduling gripes.
Conclusion
Alex de Minaur’s commanding 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(8/6) win over Laslo Djere at the French Open 2025, leading 16 Australians in the largest contingent in 35 years, signals his ambition to make history. Despite Tomljanovic’s sad withdrawal in Morocco, and a “disrespectful” Court 14 snub, de Minaur’s clay form and resilience position him for a deep run, facing Bublik next and potentially Sinner. His quest, like Price’s and Gauff’s focus, underscores a pivotal moment for Australian tennis.
