Alex de Minaur has opened up about the difficult moments that followed his emotional press conference at the ATP Finals, revealing how his perspective has shifted since the raw reaction that caught global attention.
The Australian star, who has enjoyed one of the strongest seasons of his career, spoke candidly after a tough defeat in Turin—one that left him visibly frustrated as he struggled to contain his disappointment. Now, with time to reflect, De Minaur says he views that moment differently.
“I was hurting, but I’ve learned from it”
Looking back, De Minaur admits he allowed the emotions of the match to spill over but insists it was a result of the high standards he now places on himself.
“I was hurting, but I’ve learned from it,” he said.
“In that moment, everything felt heavy. But now I can see it for what it was — a sign of how much I care and how badly I want to keep improving.”
The world No. 9 added that while the presser was difficult, it ultimately helped him reset his mindset heading into the new season.
Reaffirming his desire to compete with the best
De Minaur emphasised that the emotional reaction wasn’t a sign of pressure getting the better of him, but rather the competitiveness that fuels his journey toward the very top of men’s tennis.
“I’m pushing myself harder than ever. That’s why it hurt — because I know I’m close, and I want to make that next step.”
A new level of belief heading into 2026
The 26-year-old says the ATP Finals appearance has given him additional motivation, even if the ending wasn’t what he hoped for.
“Now I feel more motivated, more driven. That press conference was tough, but it reminded me of how much I’ve progressed. I’m proud of the season I had.”
With his sights set on a deeper run at the Australian Open and a push toward the top five, De Minaur insists his emotional moment in Turin has become a turning point rather than a setback.
