2 months ago
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It was a tough watch as Alex de Minaur walked into his press conference at 11.04pm on Saturday night.
The Australian No.1 had just lost to Norway’s Casper Ruud for the first time in his career, and not only in front of his home fans, but on Ken Rosewall Arena – the court he grew up on.
De Minaur stepped into the room following his 6-3, 6-3 loss, shoulders slumped, and fronted a handful of reporters.
He was polite and patient, but he was also deflated, and processing the disappointing start to his 2026 season as cheers from the small but passionate crowd at the mixed doubles tie echoed throughout Sydney Olympic Park.
“I think I had a little bit of a slow start, but I think Casper played a very good match today, from the beginning to the end,” de Minaur said.
“I had some chances and break points, but he served really well throughout the whole match, and didn’t really give me too many chances or opportunities. I think it was a well-deserved win for him today.”
Alex de Minaur was left searching for answers.Credit: Getty Images
De Minaur said all the right things, but it was the delivery rather than the content that was cause for concern. He seemed flat and tired, but quickly reminded everyone that’s he’s been in this position before.
“At the end of the day, it’s not life or death, it’s the first match of the year,” de Minaur said.
“I’ve had numerous times where I’ve come out, and I’ve lost the first match of the year ... I think, more than anything, today, it was just that I came up with a really good opponent who not only played great, but I think served unbelievable.”
From a match perspective, de Minaur’s performance was uncharacteristic. He had eight double faults, which cost him dearly.
John-Patrick Smith and Storm Hunter.Credit: AP
On the other side of the net, Ruud’s serving was clinical, and he was able to put the ball deep into the corners of the court when he needed it most.
“It’s not really part of my DNA to serve so many double faults. I think today, more than anything, was just getting used to the conditions,” de Minaur said.
“I struggled a little bit, playing at night, a little bit heavier. It felt like I wasn’t able to get that feeling on my serve of kicking it in, which in the past I’ve had no problem doing ... Casper came out today playing super aggressive. He executed that game plan, which sometimes you’ve got to say too good.”
Team Australia went on to win the tie 2-1 against Norway, after Storm Hunter won both her singles and mixed doubles match, alongside John-Patrick Smith.
But the home side was down troops on Saturday night. Maya Joint was unable to take to the court due to illness, and back-up singles player Maddison Inglis was also not well enough to play.
“It’s not great, but we’re going to do our best to hang in there and not have more players fall with sickness,” de Minaur said.
Now, Australia and their fans wait to see if the team is fully fit for their matches against Czechia on Tuesday night.
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As the press conference was in its final moments, de Minaur was asked about his mindset. Was he in the right frame of mind after a loss like that?
He hesitated, and then he answered.
“I think overall I was in a good mindset. Even after the match, I’m able to process this match correctly ... Of course, there are a couple of things that I can do better, but also understanding that it is the first match of the year, and he is a very good hard court opponent,” de Minaur said.
“I’m going to do my best to tweak those couple of things and hopefully for the next match be ready and be able to get a win for my team. Ultimately, the season’s back on, so hopefully I can flip that switch and more than anything execute in those important moments.”
The first chance for de Minaur to find some winning form comes on Tuesday night when he faces Czechia’s Jakub Mensik on Ken Rosewall Arena.
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