fter his successful first-round victory over Botic Van de Zandschulp at the 2025 Australian Open, Alex de Minaur reflected on the pressure and expectations that come with being Australia’s top tennis player. He admitted that while the support from the crowd is energizing, the role of being the nation’s best player comes with its own set of challenges.
“Playing in front of a crowd like that in Rod Laver Arena is what dreams are made of. The energy from the fans is incredible, and it really helps you to elevate your game. But I have to be honest, the second set was a bit more stressful,” de Minaur said in his post-match press conference.
Physically, de Minaur was pleased with his condition. “I’ve put in countless hours over the last few months to get my body to where I want it to be. I’m feeling good, and it’s great to be able to move around the court without thinking about my hip,” he shared, adding that it was a relief to be physically comfortable after working hard to recover.
Reflecting on the match itself, de Minaur acknowledged that it got more challenging as the match went on. “I started the match really well—high energy, solid serving, and good pressure. But as the conditions slowed down, it made things a bit tougher. The momentum shifted, but I’m glad I managed to find a way to fight through it and get the win.”
He also spoke about how he handles the pressure of playing in front of his home crowd, where expectations are high. “There’s always pressure, but the person who pressures me the most is myself. There will always be external noise, but I focus on bringing my best version every day. The crowd is a huge support, and I try to channel that energy into doing everything I can to give myself the best chance on the court.”
Looking ahead to his second-round match against Tristan Boyer, de Minaur expressed sympathy for the American, who has recently dealt with a tragic situation in California. “I know he’s going through a tough time, and my condolences go out to those affected. But today’s win will hopefully give him some energy, and I expect a great battle in the next match. He’ll come in with a lot of confidence after coming through the qualifying rounds.”
With a confident outlook and the crowd behind him, de Minaur is focused on taking it one match at a time as he continues his pursuit of an Australian Open title.
