On July 27, 2025, at the ATP 500-level Washington Open in Washington, D.C., Alex de Minaur produced one of the most dramatic performances of his career to secure the championship in emphatic fashion. Facing Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final, de Minaur had to overcome a one-set deficit—he lost the opener 5–7—before storming back to take the second set 6–1. The match culminated in a thrilling third set, where de Minaur saved three championship points at 5–3 before edging the decider 7–6(3) to win his 10th ATP Tour title and return to the top 10 in the world rankings.
A Test of Resilience and Nerves
Davidovich Fokina’s elite shot-making and relentless aggression served him well early in the match. After both players exchanged breaks early in the first set, the Spaniard took control, using crisp forehand winners to close it out. In contrast, de Minaur’s response in the second set was emphatic: he converted two of four break-point opportunities and delivered clinical serving—closing the set with an ace in just over 30 minutes.
In the final set, Davidovich Fokina surged ahead and had three championship points when serving at 5–3. He failed to convert any, the last of which was followed by a desperate lob from de Minaur that clipped the sideline and proved pivotal in turning the momentum completely That clutch shot embodied de Minaur’s grit and court awareness—hallmarks of the player who has made a career out of battling adversity.
Match Points and Turning Points
That pivotal game at 5–3 was a turning point not just in the match but in the narrative of de Minaur’s moment on court. He later reflected: “I was 16 millimetres from defeat on the third match point… today it just went my way. I’ve had brutal ones not go my way, so I’m glad this one did”. This is not the first time de Minaur has navigated match-point pressure in Washington—back in 2018 he saved four match points against Andrey Rublev during the semifinals, though he ultimately lost the final that year. However, this time he would leave Washington as champion.
Sportsmanship and Reflection
Despite his disappointment, Davidovich Fokina won admiration for his fearless play. After the final, de Minaur strode across the court and sat next to his emotionally distraught opponent, placing an arm around him in a genuine display of sportsmanship. He praised him: “You’re way too good not to have one of these. It’s coming for sure … you deserved it today. I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor…”.
The gesture was widely lauded. One fan commented: “A Demon is a class act,” while others praised de Minaur’s composure and empathy at such a pivotal moment.
Rankings and Legacy
The victory marks de Minaur’s 10th ATP singles title and his third at the ATP 500 level. It also propelled him upward in the updated PIF ATP Ranking, climbing five spots to No. 8 as of July 28, 2025. Meanwhile, Davidovich Fokina rose seven places to a career-high world No. 19, even as he once again came up short in a final, extending his unfortunate record in ATP finals to 0–4 .
De Minaur himself admitted feeling fortunate, noting that riding his luck “gave him much confidence,” especially in a tournament where he had been runner-up in 2018. Now, three weeks before the U.S. Open, he will carry this momentum and belief forward into what promises to be a significant part of his season.
Looking Ahead
This win arrives at the perfect time for de Minaur, whose consistency and tenacity are hallmarks of his game. Next on his calendar is the U.S. Open, where he enters as a now top‑10 player and rich in confidence. Davidovich Fokina, while heartbroken, still earned redemption in securing a Top‑20 ranking and reaffirmed his status as one of the tour’s most electric talents. He vowed to continue pushing, reiterating that he remains determined to claim his first ATP Tour crown.
In all, Alex de Minaur’s triumph in Washington was a masterclass in resilience, composed under pressure and marked by empathy for his opponent. His 10th title underscores a career built on fighting spirit, while his actions off the court reveal the sportsman at his core.
