De Miñaur reveals what his next improvement on clay court will be and which shot he would steal from a rival
Following his first-round win over Laslo Djere at the French Open 2025 on May 27, Alex de Minaur outlined his next clay-court improvement: enhancing his topspin forehand to better compete on the surface. In a press conference, the No. 9 seed revealed he would steal Carlos Alcaraz’s forehand, citing its power and spin as ideal for clay. “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,” he said. De Minaur also mentioned Casper Ruud’s forehand as an alternative, noting that topspin-heavy shots are “essential on clay courts” but don’t come naturally to his flatter, defensive style. This focus on offensive firepower, alongside his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(6) victory, aligns with the French Open’s themes of growth and resilience, seen in Emma Raducanu and Novak Djokovic.
Clay-Court Improvement Plan
De Minaur’s current game relies on speed, consistency, and defensive prowess, as evidenced by his 74% first-serve points won and saving four set points against Djere. However, his forehand lacks the topspin needed to dominate on clay, where he has a 9-4 record in 2025 but historically struggled, with seven early Roland Garros exits. By targeting a topspin forehand, de Minaur aims to add depth and aggression, crucial for countering clay specialists like Alcaraz, against whom he holds a 0-4 record, including a 7-5, 6-3 loss in Barcelona 2025. His 2024 Roland Garros quarterfinal run, upsetting Daniil Medvedev, shows progress, but a stronger forehand could unlock deeper runs.
Why Alcaraz’s Forehand?
Alcaraz’s forehand, a hallmark of his 2024 French Open title and 2025 Monte-Carlo and Rome triumphs, generates heavy spin and power, ideal for clay’s high-bouncing surface. De Minaur, whose flatter shots suit faster courts, acknowledged this gap, saying, “On clay, you need that extra spin to push opponents back.” Fans on X (@MSports_all: “De Minaur picking Alcaraz’s forehand is spot on—needs that weapon!”) endorsed his choice, seeing it as a strategic move to challenge top players. Ruud’s forehand, with its consistent spin, was a secondary option, reflecting de Minaur’s study of clay-court elites.
French Open Context
De Minaur’s win, marred by a concerning post-match limp raising hip injury fears and his apology for a foot close-up during a medical timeout, highlight his resilience. Facing Alexander Bublik next, his forehand improvement is critical, with potential clashes against Jakub Mensik or Jack Draper looming. The French Open’s narratives, from Zverev’s line-calling controversy to Medvedev’s rant and Raducanu’s £98,000 payday, echo de Minaur’s push for growth amid pressure, akin to Jack Grealish’s transfer saga.
Conclusion
Alex de Minaur aims to improve his topspin forehand on clay, targeting a shot like Carlos Alcaraz’s for its spin and power, as shared after his Roland Garros 2025 win over Djere. This focus addresses his clay-court limitations, complementing his defensive strengths. Despite a worrying limp, his ambition and humility—seen in his foot apology—mirror the French Open’s themes of perseverance, positioning him for a potential breakout as he faces Bublik.
