Alex de Minaur's Rotterdam Triumph: 'Third Time's the Charm' | ATP Tour | Tennis
Rotterdam
The Australian tennis star silences two previous final defeats, claiming his first indoor trophy
February 15, 2026
Alyssa van Heyst
Alex de Minaur claimed the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, his first title at the ATP 500 event. By Jerome Coombe
After two previous final losses, Alex de Minaur finally tasted success at the ABN AMRO Open on Sunday. The top-seeded Australian showcased his sharpest performance of the week, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-2, and securing his maiden indoor title. De Minaur's persistence paid off, as he rose above his past setbacks, delivering a crisp and clinical performance against a fatigued Auger-Aliassime, who required a medical timeout during the second set.
The victory marked a turning point for de Minaur, who expressed his elation, "Third time's the charm... I'm super stoked and happy. It was a great week here in Rotterdam, a place where I always feel good."
Auger-Aliassime, on an eight-match winning streak after winning in Montpellier, aimed for his ninth indoor title. However, de Minaur's consistent performance at the ATP 500 level proved too strong. The Canadian acknowledged de Minaur's superior play, stating, "Congrats to Alex and his team. We've played many matches... I gave it my best, but you were just a bit too good."
The final was a tense affair, with de Minaur breaking Auger-Aliassime's serve in the sixth game of the opening set, a feat he hadn't achieved since his second-round win over Stan Wawrinka in Montpellier. De Minaur's momentum continued into the second set, where he broke again in the fifth game, showcasing increased aggression. Auger-Aliassime's performance dipped, and he required medical attention, returning to the court looking less explosive. De Minaur seized the opportunity, closing out the match in 78 minutes and improving his head-to-head record against Auger-Aliassime to 2-3.
This victory propelled de Minaur two spots higher in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, solidifying his position as a top player in the ATP Tour.
