Alex de Minaur Triumphs in Madrid, Faces Tsitsipas or Musetti Next
Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, continued his impressive run at the 2025 Madrid Masters. The No. 6 seed secured a spot in the last 16 with a commanding 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Canadian Denis Shapovalov (No. 29 seed) at the Caja Mágica. This win follows a strong performance in the previous round where he defeated Lorenzo Sonego.
Dominant Display in Madrid
De Minaur's consistent play was key to his success against Shapovalov. He dominated the first set, breaking Shapovalov early to establish a 3-1 lead and never looking back. While Shapovalov mounted a strong challenge in the second set, pushing de Minaur to a tiebreak, the Australian ultimately prevailed, showcasing his composure under pressure.
Next Round Showdown
De Minaur's next opponent will be either the highly-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 17 seed) or Lorenzo Musetti (No. 10 seed), setting the stage for another challenging match. His performance in Madrid showcases his readiness to compete at the highest level, building momentum towards a potential Masters 1000 title. This exciting matchup promises to be a highlight of the tournament.
Off-Court Drama: A "Red Flag" Moment?
Amidst the on-court success, de Minaur found himself in a lighthearted off-court controversy. A widespread power outage across Spain, including the Caja Mágica, caused disruptions to the tournament. While de Minaur enjoyed a temporary "off-the-grid" experience, his fiancée, British tennis player Katie Boulter, playfully chided him on social media for his delayed text replies, jokingly labeling his excuse as "elite red flag behavior." This playful exchange between the engaged couple added a touch of humor to the Madrid Open's unexpected challenges.
Looking Ahead
De Minaur’s journey at the Madrid Masters continues, with the world watching to see if he can overcome his next opponent and advance further in the tournament. His blend of skill and resilience makes him a strong contender, and his playful relationship with Boulter adds a captivating dimension to his story.