Alex de Minaur pulled off a stunning comeback to win the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 title, saving three match points to defeat Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3) in a dramatic final on Sunday night.
The 25-year-old Australian displayed nerves of steel and incredible resilience to earn his first ATP 500 title of the season and secure a return to the Top 10 in the ATP Rankings, climbing to World No. 8.
De Minaur Stuns with Late-Set Heroics
After dropping the first set and falling behind 4-1 and later 5-2 in the decider, de Minaur looked on the brink of defeat. Davidovich Fokina served for the championship at 5-3 and was up 30-0, but de Minaur broke back and went on to save three match points in the next game.
According to the ATP, the Aussie was just 16 millimeters away from losing on the third match point, but managed to hit a desperate lob that clipped the sideline — a moment that turned the match in his favor. “It’s something about this court. I did it in 2018 against Rublev and honestly, I just kind of knew I could do it,” said de Minaur, recalling a similar comeback from his teenage years.
“I just backed myself and I told myself to commit no matter what and if I lost this match it was going to be on my terms. Today it went my way. I’ve had a couple of brutal ones not go my way, so I’m glad this one went my way.”
Heartbreak for Davidovich Fokina
For Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, it was another agonizing loss. The 26-year-old Spaniard has now fallen short in all four of his ATP finals. Earlier this year, he also lost the Delray Beach final after holding match points against Miomir Kecmanovic.
De Minaur made sure to console his opponent both privately and publicly after the match, recognizing the heartbreak and offering praise: “Alejandro, as I told you and your team, you’re way too good to not have one of these,” de Minaur said during his winner’s speech.
“It’s coming for sure. You deserved it today. I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor and player. No one on the tour wants to play you. This is not the end. It’s only going up for you.”
De Minaur Back in ATP Top 10
With the win, Alex de Minaur moves up to No. 8 in the ATP Rankings, solidifying his position among the world’s elite and boosting his confidence heading into the US hard court swing.
Stay tuned for all the latest Sports News, follow SportsNewsTime on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram