Alex de Minaur has asserted himself as one of the leading contenders at the 2025 Rotterdam Open with his emphatic victory over Belgian David Goffin, winning 6-2, 6-4. The Australian tennis star, currently ranked No. 8 by the ATP, demonstrated his readiness for the challenges of the season by building on the momentum he gained from last year's successful campaign.
Taking to the court on February 4, 2025, De Minaur, who was the runner-up at the tournament the previous year, showed his determination to improve upon his past performance. This year's match saw him turn defensive exchanges with Goffin on their head, at times dazzling the spectators with his athleticism and skill. De Minaur’s ability to move swiftly around the court allowed him to outpace Goffin, producing 24 winners to Goffin’s 13.
After his match, De Minaur stated, "I feel I have taken many steps in the right direction during this past year. I am a much improved player, having shown the necessary consistency to reach the quarter-finals in all four grand slams.” His intent to maintain momentum this season is clear, especially after the set-backs he faced last year due to injuries. "Last year, a lot of stuff happened. I was injured for much of the year and I still managed to achieve some great results," he added.
Getting off to a successful start this week, De Minaur is focused on staying healthy and consistent, both key elements for his aspirations. "The goal this year is to stay healthy and have the same upward momentum," he remarked. His current ranking brings additional expectations, which he has noted can alter the way he experiences matches, particularly when playing at home. “There is a big difference between being ranked 11th or 12th and already being among the top 10. The media attention is higher, and expectations are raised,” De Minaur explained.
Off the court, De Minaur shared insights about the positive influence of his partner, fellow tennis player Katie Boulter, on his professional life. Their relationship, which has flourished for nearly five years and resulted in their recent engagement during the off-season, provides De Minaur with much-needed support amid the pressures of being a top player.
Commenting on the balance between their personal and professional lives, he stated, "It definitely does help the weeks when I'm with Katie. It makes it easier to be far from home." For De Minaur, whose professional life often requires long stints away from home, making time for normalcy is important. "It’s quite important to try to do stuff wherever we are. Whether it’s going out for dinners, exploring the cities you are in, or just enjoying time with friends,” he elaborated.
This commitment to living life beyond tennis helps De Minaur manage the stress inherent in the competitive sports environment. Reflecting on this balance, he said, "The tennis aspect will always be demanding and stressful, but as soon as you step off the court, trying to immerse yourself in different activities helps to ground you.”
During his match against Goffin, De Minaur also expressed satisfaction with the way he executed his strategy, particularly noting the challenges of the court surface, stating, "It felt slow out here, quite tough to get used to the conditions. It’s very rough.” His athleticism was evident as he successfully transitioned between defensive and attacking play, converting key break points as they arose.
Looking forward, De Minaur’s next challenge will be against 19-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik, who secured his own victory earlier on the same day. With his sharp performance behind him, De Minaur is eager to see how far he can advance this tournament, hoping to capitalize on the momentum from his opening win.
Overall, De Minaur’s combination of on-court skill and off-court support from Boulter not only highlights his dedication to achieving sporting success but also his commitment to maintaining personal happiness. The tennis star seems poised to face the challenges of the ATP season head-on, with aspirations of progressing far beyond just this tournament.