Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur faced an early exit from the 2025 Miami Open after a heart-stopping fourth-round match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini on March 26. In a fiercely contested battle at the Hard Rock Stadium, Berrettini triumphed with a score of 6-3, 7-6(9-7), advancing to the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament.
It was a match defined by near misses and resilience, particularly from De Minaur, who had multiple opportunities to force a deciding third set. The world No. 11 Australian was unable to capitalize on six set points, a misstep that proved critical when Berrettini saved four match points before ultimately closing the match on his fifth attempt. This loss not only ended De Minaur’s hopes of a deep run in Miami but also eliminated the prospect of an all-Australian quarter-final, as fellow Aussie Adam Walton was in contention against American third seed Taylor Fritz.
Berrettini started strong, breaking De Minaur in the opening game of the match and quickly establishing a 3-0 lead in the first set. Despite some rocky moments, including facing two break points, Berrettini managed to serve out the set 6-3.
In the second set, the tension ramped up considerably. De Minaur, known for his fighting spirit, broke back after losing his first service game but faced a daunting deficit at 4-5 when he found himself down love-40 on Berrettini’s serve. Yet, in true form, he fought back valiantly, converting three set points when it mattered most, but all fell through as Berrettini dug deep to save each one. Instead of taking control, De Minaur slipped in the next game, losing his serve and putting Berrettini in a commanding position. However, De Minaur regrouped, leveling the score and forcing a tiebreak after saving three match points himself.
The tiebreak was nothing short of dramatic. With the score swinging back and forth, De Minaur raced ahead 6-3 and had three more set points within his grasp. But once again, Berrettini showed his mental fortitude and saved all three set points, flipping the momentum back in his favor. Ultimately, it was on the fifth match point that Berrettini sealed the win, marking his first Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance since 2021 and creating a memorable moment amidst a tense atmosphere.
In a match filled with thrills, the 29th seed demonstrated determination, having earlier beaten French player Hugo Gaston and Belgian Zizou Bergs to reach this stage. Berrettini’s next challenge is against the winner of the match between Taylor Fritz and Australian Adam Walton, marking a potential clash that continues a spirited competition within the tournament.
Novak Djokovic, a six-time Miami Open champion, made headlines the same day with a commanding victory over Lorenzo Musetti, allowing the Serbian to advance to the quarter-finals himself. Djokovic, who is seeking a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title, won 6-2, 6-2 and is rapidly closing in on a milestone 100th tour-level title.
Reflecting on his win, Djokovic mentioned the surreal experience of having tennis icons Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro supporting him from the stands. “I was starstruck,” Djokovic said. “It was amazing to see first 'DelPo,' obviously a long-time friend and a rival, so happy to have him around and get his support from the box.” He continued, saying it was unexpected to see Serena Williams during the game, noting her approval of his down-the-line passing shot when she gave a nod affirmatively to him.
As De Minaur contemplates his loss, he will now shift his focus to preparing for the clay swing of the season, with the Monte Carlo Masters set to begin on April 6. The Miami Open completion marks a disappointing end to an otherwise promising hardcourt season for the young Australian, who realized early losses at both Indian Wells and Miami.
With De Minaur's exit, the tournament continues to intensify, unfolding stories of epic matches and close encounters as players vie for one of the ATP Tour's most coveted titles. Fans eagerly anticipate the next rounds at the Miami Open, where every game turns into a spectacle filled with tension and excitement.
