]Alex de Minaur has always favored faster surfaces, but as the clay-court season kicks off in Monte Carlo, the Australian admits he’s finally found his footing on the red dirt.
“It’s a very physical part of the year,” De Minaur said on Sunday from the Monte-Carlo Country Club. “You need consistency, creativity, and endurance. Points are longer, more demanding, and you have to figure out new ways to win them.”
While grass remains his preferred surface—he made the Wimbledon quarter-finals last summer—De Minaur is determined to make the most of the clay season before shifting to faster courts. He noted that the real push is mental, aiming to stay motivated through the demanding weeks ahead.
De Minaur’s 2025 season has been solid, if not spectacular. A quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open and a runner-up finish in Rotterdam showed promise, but early exits in Dubai and Indian Wells left him wanting more. “I always want better results. That’s just who I am,” he said. “But I can’t complain. I’m in the top 10, and I know I can play well on clay.”
Though raised in Spain, De Minaur doesn’t play a traditional clay-court game. His flatter strokes contrast with the heavy topspin of players like Nadal and Alcaraz. But last year’s quarter-final run in Monte Carlo helped shift his mindset.
“I grew up with a different style—less spin, more pace,” he explained. “But now I understand how to make my game work on clay. Last year gave me real confidence that I can be a threat on this surface.”
Reflecting on his Australian Open loss to Jannik Sinner, De Minaur showed maturity. “It felt like a slap in the face at the time, but seeing him win the tournament helped me move on. It wasn’t just me—he was unstoppable.”
Now preparing to face Tomas Machac or Sebastien Baez in his Monte Carlo opener, De Minaur is focused on consistency. “The goal is to stay tough and avoid bad weeks. It’s a long season, but I’m in a good place.”
