Top-seeded Alex de Minaur overcame a tough challenge in his return to tour-level action at the European Open in Antwerp. After a slow start, de Minaur bounced back to defeat Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in three sets, securing a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory. This win advances him to the quarter-finals.
De Minaur had been out of action due to a hip injury, forcing him to miss the Asian swing. Reflecting on his performance, the Australian expressed satisfaction with his ability to fight through a tough match, especially after a long recovery.
De Minaur’s Path to the Nitto ATP Finals
Currently ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, de Minaur is aiming to qualify for his first-ever appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals. He remains 425 points behind eighth-placed Andrey Rublev. With the victory in Antwerp, de Minaur is continuing his late-season push to secure a spot in the prestigious year-end event.
In the quarter-finals, de Minaur will face Frenchman Hugo Gaston, who won a thriller against Mariano Navone in three sets.
Other Key Matches in Antwerp
- Roberto Bautista Agut became the oldest player to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament at 36 years old. He defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(2), 6-4.
- Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime rallied to beat Marton Fucsovics 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2, showcasing strong play on serve and breaking Fucsovics three times to secure his place in the last eight.
De Minaur’s next match will be crucial as he continues his pursuit of a spot at the ATP Finals while aiming for the Antwerp title.
