Alex de Minaur’s “Ignored” Snub in ATP’s 2025 Awards Announcement
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev dominated the ATP’s 2025 “Player of the Year” shortlist announced on October 22, but Australia’s Alex de Minaur appears to have been overlooked despite a breakout season that saw him become the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt to reach 50 tour-level wins in 2025. The ATP’s official reveal, celebrating Alcaraz’s year-end No. 1 lock, Sinner’s 62-10 record, and Zverev’s Masters 1000 title, has sparked fan frustration on social media, with many calling it a “snub” for de Minaur’s consistency (50-18 record, tour-leading 37 hard-court wins, and a career-high No. 7 ranking). “Alex de Minaur ignored? After 50 wins? ATP’s blind,” one X post with 50k likes read, highlighting the omission as a “disrespect” to the Demon’s grind.
The Announcement: Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev Lead the Pack
The ATP’s shortlist, voted on by media, players, and fans, celebrates the year’s top performers. Alcaraz, with 67 wins, 8 titles (including Wimbledon and US Open), and a locked No. 1, is the frontrunner. Sinner’s 62-10 record, 2 Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon), and US Open final loss to Alcaraz edge him in. Zverev’s Shanghai Masters title and 45-20 record round it out. Voting closes November 1, with the winner announced November 10 at the ATP Finals.
De Minaur’s absence, despite 50 wins tying Taylor Fritz for third (behind Alcaraz’s 67 and Sinner’s 62) and a tour-leading 37 on hard courts, has been called “criminal” by Nick Kyrgios on X: “Demon’s 50 wins ignored? ATP’s sponsors over substance.” De Minaur, post-Vienna R1 win (6-4, 6-1 vs. Rodionov for career win No. 301), responded humbly: “Buzz is nice, but I’m here to win—awards are bonus.”
Why the “Snub”? De Minaur’s Case for Inclusion
De Minaur’s 2025 is historic for Australia:
– **50 Wins**: First Australian since Hewitt (52 in 2004); 7th ATP Masters 1000 QF (tied Hewitt’s record).
– **Hard-Court King**: 37 wins, 3 ahead of Alcaraz/Sinner (34 each).
– **Milestones**: 300 career wins (Vienna); No. 7 peak; ATP Finals lock (7th Race).
– **Titles**: Acapulco defense, Beijing SF (first set off Sinner since 2020).
His 88% win rate (50-18) and humility contrast the shortlist’s flashier Slams. “Alex’s consistency is underrated—50 wins is gold,” said Pat Rafter. The snub, amid ATP’s sponsor-driven buzz (Alcaraz’s Nike deal, Sinner’s Rolex), fuels “bracket” accusations.
Fan and Expert Backlash: “Disrespectful Snub”
X erupted under #DeMinaurSnub: “50 wins ignored? ATP’s a joke—Demon’s the real MVP” (100k likes). Hewitt: “Alex’s year is world-class—awards politics.” Katie Boulter: “My man’s the best—buzz or not.” As de Minaur eyes Vienna R2 (vs. Khachanov/Tirante), the “ignored” tag stings, but his response is pure Demon: “Numbers don’t lie—I’ll let wins talk.”
The ATP’s announcement “marks” Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev, but de Minaur’s 50 wins are the real story. The Demon’s unbreakable; the snub? Just noise.
