Alex de Minaur finally shattered his Rotterdam jinx, capturing the ABN AMRO Open title with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 demolition of Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Australian’s triumph Sunday marked his first indoor championship and ended two consecutive final defeats at the Dutch venue.
The world No. 8 made history simply by reaching his third straight Rotterdam final, becoming the only player in the tournament’s 54-year existence to achieve such consistency. Not even Roger Federer, who reached five consecutive quarterfinals, managed three consecutive finals at the indoor hard-court event.
Third time proves the charm
De Minaur’s path through Rotterdam showcased his remarkable consistency. He defeated Arthur Fils, Stan Wawrinka, Botic van de Zandschulp and Ugo Humbert without dropping a set in the final three matches. His semifinal victory over Humbert proved particularly impressive, saving all 10 break points he faced during the contest.
The 26-year-old seized his opportunity with ruthless efficiency. He delivered his sharpest tennis of the week when it mattered most, facing zero break points while dismantling the second-seeded Canadian in just 76 minutes. His clinical performance erased the ghosts of finals past.
Journey to redemption
De Minaur‘s path through Rotterdam showcased his remarkable consistency. He defeated Arthur Fils, Stan Wawrinka, Botic van de Zandschulp and Ugo Humbert without dropping a set in the final three matches. His semifinal victory over Humbert proved particularly impressive, saving all 10 break points he faced during the contest. Fans and analysts alike praised his calm under pressure, noting that his tactical awareness and precise shot selection seemed far beyond his years, a testament to relentless training and focus.
The Australian’s baseline defense and mental fortitude shone throughout the tournament. Against Humbert, De Minaur managed just three winners yet converted three of four break opportunities with surgical precision. His ability to neutralize aggressive opponents remains his greatest weapon.
Indoor dominance interrupted
Auger-Aliassime entered Sunday’s championship match riding an eight-match winning streak. The Canadian had demolished opponents in Rotterdam, dropping just one set all week while claiming the Montpellier title seven days earlier. His indoor record stood at an imposing 92-38 before stepping onto court.
The final’s momentum shifted dramatically in the sixth game. De Minaur struck two inspired winners to break Auger-Aliassime’s serve for the first time since the Canadian’s Montpellier quarterfinal. The breakthrough ended Auger-Aliassime’s streak of 21 consecutive service holds across two tournaments.
Medical complications further derailed Auger-Aliassime’s title defense. The 25-year-old required an off-court medical timeout midway through the second set, returning visibly compromised. De Minaur sensed the opportunity and maintained his aggressive approach, closing out the match without hesitation.
Historic achievement
The victory makes De Minaur just the second Australian to win Rotterdam since Lleyton Hewitt’s 2004 triumph. More significantly, it represents his 11th career ATP title and first captured on indoor hard courts. The championship also strengthens his position among the tour’s ATP 500 specialists.
Since 2023, no player has accumulated more ATP 500 match victories than De Minaur’s 52 wins. However, only three titles accompanied that consistency before Sunday. His Rotterdam breakthrough suggests the Australian may finally be converting elite-level consistency into championship hardware.
De Minaur‘s ranking will improve to No. 7 following the victory, surpassing Taylor Fritz in the ATP standings. The Australian’s steady climb continues despite operating in an era dominated by Sinner and Alcaraz’s Grand Slam excellence. His persistence finally paid dividends on the indoor surface that had previously eluded him.
The Rotterdam title validates De Minaur’s status as one of tennis’s most reliable performers. While Grand Slam glory remains distant, his ability to consistently challenge for significant titles demonstrates his value at the tour’s highest level. Sunday’s triumph proves that perseverance eventually overcomes even the most stubborn obstacles.
