‘That’s Just What the Demon Does’- Alex De Minaur’s Relentless Attitude Dissected by Ex-WTA Pro Despite ATP Finals Flop Run

Alex De Minaur started his year as the World No.12, and steadily climbed up the ranks throughout the year, to be the World No.9. Consequently, the Aussie made his debut at the year-end ATP Finals. However, the US Open quarterfinalist has been unable to live up to the expectations at the year-end tournament in Turin. Minaur has already lost two of the three round-robin matches in his group. He would play the third against Taylor Fritz today, looking to open his account. While it seems difficult for the Aussie to make it to the semis in Turin, what can he do to improve his game and showcase his mettle in the upcoming season? Ex-WTA pro, Casey Dellacqua, details his gameplay, and strengths.

This season has been quite a rollercoaster for Alex De Minaur. Injuries consistently interrupted his climb to the top 8 in the world. And despite that, Minaur was able to sustain and make his way to the ATP Finals. But what can he do to get better of his strong opponents quite consistently? On the recent episode of The AO Show Weekly, the former pro players from Australia, Dellacqua and John Fitzgerald, along with the Australian Open director, Craig Tiley, and others discussed Coco Gauff's victory at the WTA Finals and the performance of the players at the ATP Finals. And the host asked the guests, "How can Alex add that element to his game, do you think?"

Dellacqua carefully dissected Minaur's gameplay, highlighting his strength. "He has the ability to hit through the court, whether that be on serve by producing an ace or being able to step inside the court and just go bang for a clean winner." Moreover, Dellacqua didn't doubt Minaur's ability to keep his flow going and produce better results. But as of now, the Aussie star should have only one thing to focus on, "getting his body right and knowing the game style he plays, making sure that he gets all of those injuries right, leading into the 2025 season."

Dellacqua, however, believes there is no stopping Minaur. She further added, "He'll keep improving, because that's just what the demon does."

After two losses, Alex De Minaur certainly needs that 'demon' strength at the ATP Finals to finish the season on a positive note. Could he find that extra 'oomph' needed to get past Fritz, with an inconsistent form?

Injuries become a hurdle in the way of glory for Alex De Minaur For the first half of the season, Alex De Minaur had a great run. He won the Mexican Open, and Libéma Open, and finished as a runner-up at ATP Rotterdam. However, the first speed breaker of the season came in the form of a cartilage tear in his right hip and adductor longus muscle at the Wimbledon Open. Consequently, Minaur withdrew from his quarterfinal match. However, this was just the beginning. Furthermore, Minaur was unable to play at the Paris Olympics due to a hip injury. Though he declared himself fit for the US Open, he had to sit out of the Davis Cup.

Currently, the Aussie is dealing with a decline in form and inconsistencies due to recurring injury issues. Opening up about his form a few days ago, Minaur said, "It's causing instability in a couple of different areas, so I feel it in the adductor a little bit, and a little bit higher up, near the pubis, so it's not an easy one. There's a sharp pain with [certain] movements, and it makes it tough to go out and be my usual self, retrieving many of the balls that I'm so used to putting back in play. Now, it makes it a bit more unknown with what I'm going to be able to do on any given day."