Alex De Minaur becomes first person to win three Ultimate Tennis Showdowns after defeating Casper Ruud in London
Alex de Minaur cemented his status as the king of UTS tennis after defeating Casper Ruud in a thrilling final in London to become the first player in history to win three Ultimate Tennis Showdown titles. The Australian star, already one of the most consistent performers in the high-energy format, delivered another composed and clinical performance to secure the milestone victory.
Playing at London’s Copper Box Arena, De Minaur embraced the signature chaos of UTS — fast-paced quarters, single-serve points, and a buzzing, never-silent crowd — to outlast Ruud and lift the trophy for a second consecutive year at the venue and a record third time overall.
A Format Built for De Minaur
The world No. 9 has long been vocal about how well UTS suits his athletic and mental strengths, and once again he thrived under the pressure. His low, flat hitting and relentless speed kept Ruud on the defensive for most of the match, especially after settling in following a tight opening quarter.
Ruud, who reached the final after a dramatic sudden-death win over Andrey Rublev, started strongly but couldn’t keep De Minaur at bay once the Australian found his rhythm. “He played much better, much cleaner,” Ruud admitted afterwards. “His style suits these conditions and he showed why he’s won this tournament multiple times.”
A Dominant Run in London
De Minaur showcased some of his best all-court tennis throughout the event, defeating Ugo Humbert in the semifinals and producing clutch play in the big moments — a trademark of his recent rise on tour. The victory earned him another major UTS payout, adding to what has already been a financially and competitively successful season.
A Special City for a Special Achievement
“It’s amazing to win here again,” De Minaur said after the final. “London is a special place for me — it feels like home now. The atmosphere at UTS is always incredible and to win my third title here is unbelievable.”
His triumph caps off another milestone year, one that included a strong showing at the ATP Finals and preparations for his upcoming wedding to British tennis star Katie Boulter.
UTS Continues Its Global Rise
UTS founder Patrick Mouratoglou praised De Minaur’s consistency and star power, calling him “the best player ever in this format.” The sport’s innovative, entertainment-driven approach has led to sold-out venues worldwide and a surge in younger fans — a key goal for the competition.
With London again proving a success, the UTS Tour has already committed to additional events in 2026, ensuring the fast-paced format remains a feature on the tennis calendar.
