“I want to prove these people wrong” – Alex De Minaur on how being motivated by his doubters has led to recent success
Alex de Minaur, the world No. 8 Australian tennis star, has credited his relentless motivation to silence critics as a key driver behind his standout performances in 2025, including his 10th ATP title at the Citi DC Open and a thrilling run at the National Bank Open in Toronto. Speaking to Tennis Channel after defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in Toronto’s third round on August 4, 2025, De Minaur said, “I hear all the reasons why I shouldn’t be in the top 10, or why I shouldn’t be where I am… When I hear that, it just drives me, because I want to prove these people wrong.” This mindset, rooted in defying skeptics who question his physicality and serve, has propelled him to a career-high ranking and consistent success against elite players.
De Minaur’s 2025 season has been marked by significant milestones. His Washington title, a repeat from 2024, showcased his improved aggression and mental fortitude, defeating top-10 player Hubert Hurkacz in the final. In Toronto, his victory over Tiafoe, despite landing only 42% of first serves, highlighted his ability to compete under pressure, as noted by tennishead.net. Facing Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals, De Minaur’s focus on “playing on my terms” reflects a shift toward a bolder game style, a response to critics who’ve labeled him a defensive speedster lacking the power for major titles.
This drive to prove doubters wrong is a recurring theme. In a 2024 Australian Open interview, De Minaur emphasized, “I love proving people wrong,” after toppling Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev at the United Cup, securing his top-10 debut. His 2023 Toronto Masters final run, where he reached his first ATP 1000 final, was fueled by similar motivation, as he told media, “I’m looking to prove a lot of the people wrong,” crediting a positive mindset for overcoming early struggles. His 2024 Roland Garros quarterfinal, a career-first, further silenced doubters, with De Minaur noting to wearetennis.bnpparibas, “I enjoy achieving things that maybe a lot of people didn’t think I could.”
Despite a crushing Australian Open 2025 loss to Jannik Sinner, De Minaur accepted it as “him being too good,” using the setback to fuel his clay and hardcourt campaigns. His fiancée, Katie Boulter, praised his resilience, playfully tweeting about his Toronto performance, “I’m not even fast I just read well,” highlighting his anticipation skills. Overcoming burnout earlier in 2025, as noted by @ArashMadani on X, De Minaur’s refusal to dwell on losses—unlike his early career, per menshealth.com.au—has been key to his 32-12 season record. As he eyes the Cincinnati Open and US Open, De Minaur’s hunger to defy critics continues to shape his ascent, proving his place among the ATP’s elite.
