Rotterdam, Netherlands – Alex de Minaur has finally broken through at the ABN AMRO Open, claiming the title on Sunday with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime. The win marks de Minaur’s first indoor title and a significant milestone in his career, capping a week where he appeared to elevate his game to a new level.
The Australian’s triumph was particularly satisfying given his previous near misses at the Ahoy Arena, having fallen in the final to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the past two years. “I mean, third time lucky,” de Minaur beamed after the match. “I’m so super happy. It ended up being a great week here, a place where I always feel really, really good. I was just a step short the previous years, so it feels great to finally be able to lift the title.”
Auger-Aliassime entered the match in impressive form, fresh off a title win in Montpellier and boasting an eight-match winning streak. He had also been on a remarkable run of 78 consecutive service holds before de Minaur managed to break through in the first set. However, the Canadian’s serve, previously considered nearly unbreakable, was dismantled by the relentless pressure from the world No. 8.
De Minaur’s aggressive play and dominance at the baseline proved too much for Auger-Aliassime to handle. He secured the first break of the match in the sixth game and never relinquished control, showcasing a level of play he hadn’t consistently reached earlier in the tournament. The match concluded in just 77 minutes, a testament to de Minaur’s focused and efficient performance.
The contrast in offensive output was striking. While Auger-Aliassime is known for his powerful game, de Minaur outshone him in terms of quality shots, hitting 10 winners compared to Auger-Aliassime’s six. This was a significant improvement for de Minaur, who had managed only three winners in his semi-final match against Ugo Humbert.
The victory also carries historical weight, making de Minaur only the second Australian to win the prestigious Rotterdam tournament in its 54-year history, following in the footsteps of Lleyton Hewitt, who won the title in 2004. De Minaur’s consistency at ATP 500 level is also noteworthy; this is his fifth triumph at this tournament tier, and he has now won more matches than anyone at ATP 500 events since the start of 2023 (53 wins).
Auger-Aliassime, despite the loss, acknowledged de Minaur’s superior performance. “Alex was just a bit too good,” he conceded. The Canadian appeared to struggle physically towards the end of the match, requiring treatment for an apparent hip problem, though de Minaur was quick to emphasize that his win was earned through his own exceptional play.
“For sure, it was my best tennis of the week, and that’s what it’s all about, just doing my best to rise up to the occasion,” de Minaur said. He didn’t face a single break point on his own serve, further highlighting his control and precision throughout the final.
This win represents a significant step forward for de Minaur, solidifying his position as a top player on the ATP Tour and demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level against formidable opponents. The Rotterdam Open has proven to be a favorable hunting ground for the Australian, and he will undoubtedly look to build on this success as the season progresses. The rivalry between de Minaur and Auger-Aliassime, which began in their junior days, continues, with de Minaur now leveling the head-to-head record after 10 matches.
