Alex de Minaur: The Journey of an Australian Tennis Star
Alex de Minaur, nicknamed “The Demon” on the professional tennis circuit, is one of Australia’s brightest talents in the sport. Born in Sydney on February 17, 1999, he has captured fans’ hearts with his remarkable speed, relentless determination, and defensive playing style. This article explores the life, career, and achievements of Alex de Minaur, a player who has elevated Australian tennis to new heights.
Early Life and First Steps in Tennis
Multicultural Roots
Alex de Minaur Román was born in Sydney, Australia, to Anibal, a Uruguayan who owned an Italian restaurant, and Esther, a Spaniard who worked as a waitress at the same establishment. This multicultural heritage gave Alex a unique perspective, with fluency in English, Spanish, and some French. He has five siblings—Dominic, Daniel, Natalie, Cristina, and Sara—and is the second eldest in the family.
At age five, the de Minaur family moved to Alicante, Spain, where he spent much of his childhood. This experience between two countries shaped not only his identity but also his playing style, blending Australian intensity with the technical finesse of European tennis.
Early Contact with Tennis
Alex began playing tennis at age three at the Sydney Private Tennis Academy in Kogarah Bay. His mother, Esther, was instrumental in enrolling him in lessons and taking him to watch local tournaments. By age four, he could serve over the baseline, showing precocious talent. At 10, he nearly defeated his coach, Terry Dock, in a three-set match, impressing everyone with his ability.
In Spain, Alex was coached by Adolfo Gutierrez from age nine, a mentor who guided him through much of his junior career. He also received guidance from Lleyton Hewitt, a former world No. 1 and Australian idol, who became his mentor, though never his official coach.
Junior Career and Early Professional Steps
Success in the Junior Circuit
De Minaur quickly rose to prominence in the junior circuit. He reached No. 2 in the world junior rankings and won the boys’ doubles title at the 2016 Australian Open alongside compatriot Blake Ellis. This success put him on the radar as a promising Australian talent.
His speed, defensive skills, and competitive mindset were evident in his teenage years. These qualities, combined with his work ethic, prepared him for the transition to the professional circuit.
Professional Debut
Alex made his professional debut in July 2015, at age 16, at the Spain F22 tournament, reaching the quarterfinals. In 2016, he received a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying but lost in the first round to Kimmer Coppejans. That year, he competed mainly in the ITF circuit in Spain, reaching two finals, and made his first ATP Challenger Tour final in Eckental, Germany, where he lost to Steve Darcis.
Rise on the ATP Tour
2017: First Steps on the Main Stage
The year 2017 marked de Minaur’s entry into the ATP circuit. He received a wildcard for the Brisbane International, where he won his first main-draw match against Mikhail Kukushkin. The following week at the Sydney International, he defeated world No. 46 Benoît Paire, securing his first ATP-level victory.
Despite debuting in all four Grand Slams in 2017, his appearances were marked by early exits, including losses to Dominic Thiem at the US Open and Gerald Melzer at the Australian Open, where he won a set after saving a match point. He ended the year ranked 208 in singles.
2018: Breakthrough on the Circuit
The year 2018 was a turning point for de Minaur. He began the season at the Brisbane International, defeating American Steve Johnson and then-world No. 24 Milos Raonic to reach the semifinals—a remarkable feat for the youngest and lowest-ranked player to reach that stage in the tournament’s history.
At the Sydney International, he continued his rise, defeating Fernando Verdasco, Damir Džumhur, and Feliciano López to reach his second consecutive semifinal. In the final, he faced Daniil Medvedev, winning the first set but losing in three. At the 2018 Australian Open, he took a set off 19th seed Tomáš Berdych but was eliminated in the first round.
De Minaur also reached the final of the 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals, losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas. By year’s end, he entered the Top 50 for the first time, cementing his status as a rising star.
Achievements and Titles
First ATP Title
In 2019, de Minaur won his first ATP title at the Sydney International, defeating Italian Andreas Seppi in straight sets. This marked the start of a successful career, with a total of nine singles titles and one doubles title by 2025.
Notable Titles
Among his biggest achievements are his victories at the ATP 500 in Acapulco in 2023 and 2024, where he defeated Casper Ruud in the 2024 final, 6-4, 6-4. He also beat Rafael Nadal on clay at the 2024 Barcelona Open, 7-5, 6-1, a significant milestone against the legendary Spaniard.
In 2020, de Minaur won the doubles title at the Cincinnati Open alongside Pablo Carreño Busta, his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy. In 2021, he claimed the Antalya Open, defeating Alexander Bublik in the final.
In July 2025, de Minaur secured his tenth ATP title at the ATP 500 in Washington, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a dramatic final, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3), after saving three match points and coming back from a 2-5 deficit in the third set. This title propelled him back into the Top 10, reaching the eighth spot in the world rankings.
Playing Style and Nickname
Speed and Defense
De Minaur is renowned for his exceptional speed, often described as the fastest player on the tour. His game is built on solid defense, with the ability to retrieve difficult balls and turn them into points. His agility and endurance allow him to extend rallies, wearing down opponents.
His forehand is a powerful weapon, especially when hit down the line, and his backhand is reliable, enabling precise line shots. He is also skilled at varying the pace of play, making him a challenging opponent.
The Nickname “The Demon”
The nickname “The Demon” stems from the Australian pronunciation of his surname (/diː mɪˈnɔːr/), which inspired a connection to the word “demon.” He embraced the nickname with a demon logo, which he often draws on the camera lens after victories, a signature celebration that delights fans.
Memorable Grand Slam Moments
Australian Open
As an Australian, the Australian Open holds special significance for de Minaur. He reached the fourth round in 2022 and 2024 but is still aiming to advance to the quarterfinals at home. His passionate home crowd at Rod Laver Arena often fuels memorable moments.
Roland Garros
In 2024, de Minaur reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, his best result in a clay-court Grand Slam. This performance made him the first Australian in 17 years to enter the Top 10, reaching the seventh spot in the rankings.
Wimbledon and US Open
De Minaur reached the quarterfinals at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2024, showcasing his consistency in major tournaments. In the 2019 US Open, he reached the fourth round but lost to eventual champion Dominic Thiem.
Personal Life and Impact
Relationship with Katie Boulter
Since March 2020, de Minaur has been in a relationship with British tennis player Katie Boulter. The couple announced their engagement on December 23, 2024, charming fans with their love story on the tour.
Representing Australia
Despite holding dual Australian and Spanish citizenship, de Minaur has always chosen to represent Australia, his birthplace. He has expressed pride in playing for the Australian flag, particularly in the ATP Cup and Davis Cup. In 2020, he defeated Alexander Zverev in the ATP Cup, helping Australia beat Germany 3-0.
In 2024, de Minaur fulfilled a dream by competing in the Paris Olympics, representing Australia in singles and doubles alongside Alexei Popyrin. He described the experience as “a dream come true” and an opportunity to represent “the green and gold.”
Facing the Brazilian Crowd
A notable moment in de Minaur’s career occurred at the 2025 Miami Open, where he faced young Brazilian João Fonseca. After a comeback victory, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, he wrote “Rio Open” on the camera lens, playfully engaging with the fervent Brazilian crowd supporting him. He praised Fonseca, calling him “talented, dangerous, and explosive” and highlighting his forehand as a weapon to be feared.
Promising Future
At 26, Alex de Minaur is at the peak of his career. With 10 ATP titles, a solidified Top 10 ranking, and consistent Grand Slam performances, he is seen as the future of Australian tennis. His work ethic, humility, and passion for the sport make him a role model for young players.
Goals
De Minaur has expressed his ambition to win a Grand Slam and reach world No. 1, following in the footsteps of idols like Lleyton Hewitt and Rod Laver. With his speed, tactical intelligence, and determination, he has the tools to achieve these goals.
Legacy
Beyond his on-court achievements, de Minaur inspires through his story of perseverance and dedication. He is a testament to how hard work and passion can transform a young talent into a global star. His multicultural journey between Australia and Spain also resonates with fans from diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
Alex de Minaur is more than a talented tennis player; he is a symbol of resilience and Australian pride. With his unmatched speed, competitive mindset, and charisma, he has earned the respect of opponents and the adoration of fans. As he continues to write his story in tennis, “The Demon” is destined to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
