Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur, known for his dedication and skill on the ATP Tour, has recently implemented a significant adjustment to his practice routine to better manage pressure and stress. This change comes after his latest performance highlights, including winning his 11th ATP Tour title at the Rotterdam Open and reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier in the year.
Managing Stress During Practice: A Personal Insight from De Minaur
In a candid YouTube documentary, de Minaur opened up about his struggle to separate the pressures of match play from his training sessions. He revealed that earlier in his career, he would often
“live the stress of every mistake”
made during practice, which affected his mental state on court.
He explained,
“Over the years, I have gotten better at not looking into practice that much, in terms of I know my level and in the past I would be pretty p—— off with myself for missing so many balls, which is something I know I am better than. But I have gotten better at understanding situations and just being a bit nicer to myself. Before it was like every time I stepped on the court it was like I was playing a match and living the stress of every mistake.”
It got too much, to the point where I still every time I practice, I am trying to get the most out of myself but if the result doesn’t go my way or I miss a ball, it’s [okay].
This shift reflects a thoughtful approach to mental wellbeing, recognizing the importance of distinguishing practice pressures from the intensity of competition.
Recent Performance Highlights and Setbacks
De Minaur’s recent success includes his victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final of the Rotterdam Open, marking another milestone in his career as a seven-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist. However, his run was interrupted at the Acapulco Open, where he suffered an unexpected loss to American player Patrick Kypson in the first round.
De Minaur came close to victory in Acapulco but could not close out the match, losing in a tight three-set battle with scores of 6-1, 6-7, 7-6. Kypson praised his own performance after the win, saying,
It feels amazing. Everything was important. I had to serve well. I had to return well. I did my forehand really big. Luckily, I was able to do those things for a pretty extended period of time.
This defeat was disappointing for de Minaur, especially since he was serving for the match at a crucial 5-4 moment in the final set. Nevertheless, he is now preparing to compete in the Indian Wells Masters, scheduled to begin on March 4.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for De Minaur’s Season
The changes in Alex de Minaur’s training mindset highlight a growing awareness of mental endurance in professional sports. By learning to be more patient with himself during practice, de Minaur aims to improve his performance consistency and resilience under pressure. While recent setbacks are part of the journey, his ability to adapt suggests that he remains a strong contender in upcoming tournaments.
As the ATP Tour progresses, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if this new approach to practice helps de Minaur maintain or improve his ranking and results in major competitions such as Indian Wells and beyond.
