BREAKING: Alex de Minaur has just won the Rotterdam Open in a stunning display, defeating Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-2 in only 78 minutes. This marks de Minaur’s 11th career title, his first on an indoor hardcourt, and comes as an early birthday gift as he prepares to turn 27 on February 13, 2024.
In a decisive match, de Minaur showcased exceptional skill, dominating the court and securing the victory after two previous final losses in Rotterdam. “It feels amazing to finally get over the hump,” de Minaur expressed, speaking to reporters as he headed to the airport to reunite with his fiancée, Katie Boulter, who recently claimed a title in Ostrava.
This victory is crucial for de Minaur, who chose to skip Australia’s shocking loss to Ecuador in the Davis Cup, a decision he stands by despite the team’s humiliation. The Australian team suffered a defeat to a squad without a single player ranked in the top 200, leading de Minaur to label it a “brutal” outcome.
De Minaur’s triumph elevates him back to a career-high ranking of No. 6 on the ATP leaderboard, just in time for upcoming competitions in Acapulco and the first Masters event of the year. He now sits only 355 points behind fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev, increasing expectations for his performance this season.
Demonstrating an impressive serving performance, de Minaur hit 10 winners compared to Auger-Aliassime’s 6 and made significantly fewer unforced errors, with nearly 70% of his first serves landing. This tactical play was pivotal as he dictated the pace of the match, showcasing his growth and resilience after a challenging Australian Open earlier this year.
As de Minaur prepares for the next leg of his journey, he remains optimistic about his future, emphasizing the importance of consistency and determination. “I’ve made it a priority for my whole career to represent Australia in the Davis Cup, but this was a necessary one that I needed to sit out,” he stated, underlining his commitment to both his individual ambitions and national pride.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as de Minaur aims for continued success in the coming weeks. This victory not only solidifies his status as a top contender but also sets the stage for what could be a breakout year for the talented Australian.
