New York, August 27, 2025 — Alex de Minaur, Australia’s top tennis star and world No. 8, brought a slice of Aussie charm to the 2025 US Open, joking that his post-match indulgence of choice is “nothing like an Aussie pie” during a pre-tournament press conference on August 23. The lighthearted remark, paired with a significant boost from a fully healed ankle injury, has fans buzzing about his prospects as he faces compatriot Christopher O’Connell in the first round today at Flushing Meadows.
A Pie-Fueled Mindset
In a candid moment, de Minaur was asked about his in-match thoughts, to which he quipped, “The big pepperoni pizza I’m gonna have later that night—or maybe an Aussie pie, nothing like an Aussie pie!” The nod to Australia’s iconic meat pie, a staple celebrated in events like the Great Aussie Pie Competition, drew laughs and endeared him to fans. Social media lit up, with one X post exclaiming, “Demon craving an Aussie pie mid-match is peak Aussie!” (@TennisFanAUS, August 24, 2025). The comment reflects de Minaur’s relaxed demeanor, a stark contrast to his intense on-court persona, as he aims to surpass his best US Open result—a 2024 quarterfinal loss.
Injury Recovery Boosts Hopes
De Minaur’s campaign received a major lift with confirmation that his ankle injury, which forced his withdrawal from the Canadian Open, is fully healed. His physio, Stuart Wilkinson, told Tennis.com, “Alex is 100% ready. The ankle’s no issue now.” The injury had cast doubts after sidelining him post-Wimbledon, but his 41-12 season record, including a Washington Open title and Cincinnati quarterfinal, positions him as a dark horse. Facing O’Connell, ranked No. 79, de Minaur acknowledged the challenge: “Playing a mate’s never easy, but I’m locked in.” His draw includes potential clashes with Hugo Gaston, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev, with a Jannik Sinner semifinal looming.
A Broader Sporting Narrative
De Minaur’s lighthearted approach and physical recovery mirror the resilience of peers like Emma Raducanu, who celebrated her fastest Grand Slam win against Ena Shibahara, crediting her chiropractor’s “horse” analogy for her mental edge. Similarly, darts prodigy Luke Littler, fresh off a thrilling clash with Beau Greaves, navigates intense schedules, recently withdrawing from a ProTour event to recharge. De Minaur’s fiancée, Katie Boulter, echoed his US Open dreams, expressing a shared desire to play a night match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans on X are optimistic, with one post noting, “Demon’s pie vibes and fit ankle? He’s going deep!” (@VamosDemon, August 24, 2025).
As de Minaur steps onto the court today, his cheeky “Aussie pie” quip and renewed physicality signal a player ready to blend humor with hunger, aiming to make a mark at the 2025 US Open.
