Following his first-round victory over Laslo Djere at the French Open 2025 on May 27, Alex de Minaur revealed in a press conference that he would steal Carlos Alcaraz’s forehand to enhance his clay-court game. The No. 9 seed, who won 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(6), explained, “I’m not a red clay specialist and I definitely need to improve my top-spin shots… If I could steal a shot from Alcaraz, it would definitely be his forehand.” De Minaur also mentioned Casper Ruud’s forehand as another option, noting that topspin-heavy shots are “essential on clay courts” but don’t come naturally to him. This admission reflects his ongoing evolution on clay, where his speed and defense shine but lack the offensive punch of Alcaraz’s forehand, a weapon that helped the Spaniard win Roland Garros in 2024. De Minaur’s humorous apology for a foot close-up during the match and his focus on improvement align with the French Open’s themes of resilience, seen in Emma Raducanu and Novak Djokovic.
Context and Significance
Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, is a clay-court benchmark, with titles in Monte-Carlo and Rome in 2025 despite an adductor injury. His forehand, known for its power and spin, contrasts with de Minaur’s flatter, defensive style, which relies on speed and consistency, as seen in his 74% first-serve points won against Djere. De Minaur’s 0-4 record against Alcaraz, including a 7-5, 6-3 loss at the 2025 Barcelona Open, underscores the gap. His desire to adopt Alcaraz’s forehand highlights a strategic focus on adding firepower, vital for deeper Roland Garros runs after a 2024 quarterfinal. Posts on X (@MSports_all: “De Minaur wants Alcaraz’s forehand—smart choice!”) echo fan support for this ambition.
Conclusion
Alex de Minaur’s wish to steal Carlos Alcaraz’s forehand, shared after his Roland Garros 2025 win over Djere, reveals his intent to bolster his clay-court offense with topspin. This goal, coupled with his trademark humility—evident in his foot close-up apology—ties into the French Open’s narratives of growth and perseverance, from Raducanu’s £98,000 payday to Medvedev’s rant, positioning de Minaur for a potential breakout.
