“This defeat has affected me”: Alex De Minaur breaks down the match that shook his ATP Finals campaign
Alex De Minaur has admitted that a painful early loss at the ATP Finals has left a lasting impact on his confidence and momentum, describing the match as one that “affected me more than I expected.”
The Australian entered the season-ending tournament hopeful of making a deep run after one of the strongest years of his career, but a costly defeat in the group stage has thrown his campaign into uncertainty.
De Minaur Opens Up: “It really got to me”
Speaking candidly after the match, De Minaur reflected on the performance that derailed his plans, acknowledging that he struggled to process the result both mentally and tactically.
“This defeat has affected me,” he admitted.
“I felt I was playing well enough to win, and to let it slip the way I did… it really got to me. I’m still trying to understand what went wrong.”
The loss, which came against an opponent he had previously beaten, visibly frustrated the world No. 11. De Minaur said the manner of the defeat — rather than the defeat itself — was what stung.
“It wasn’t about losing. It was about not showing the level I know I have. I didn’t bring the aggression, the clarity, or the calmness that I needed.”
A Tough Blow During a Breakthrough Year
2025 has been a career-defining season for De Minaur, with deep runs at majors and consistent results against the world’s best. His qualifying for the ATP Finals was a milestone in itself, cementing his status among the game’s elite.
But the defeat has exposed how thin the margins are at the top of men’s tennis.
“At this level, one flat set can cost you everything,” he said.
“And I had more than one today.”
Still Hope in Turin
Despite the emotional setback, De Minaur insists he is not losing hope. With round-robin matches still to play, he believes he can reset and respond the way he has done all year.
“The good thing is, I’m still alive in the tournament,” he said.
“I’ve taken punches before and come back stronger. I’ll do the same here.”
His team echoed the sentiment, stressing that De Minaur has recovered from tough defeats many times and often uses them as fuel.
Pressure, Expectations, and the Weight of Belief
The Australian also acknowledged the growing expectations on his shoulders — both from fans and from himself.
“People expect more from me now. I expect more from myself. That’s a good thing, but on days like this, it hits harder.”
Still, De Minaur’s trademark fighting spirit remains intact.
“I’ll regroup. I have to. The tournament isn’t over — and neither am I.”
All Eyes on His Next Match
De Minaur now heads into his next encounter with renewed urgency, knowing only his best tennis will be enough to keep his ATP Finals dream alive. One thing is clear: the fire inside him has only grown.
