Alex de Minaur looks primed for the Australian Open 2025 after defeating world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in a charity match at Rod Laver Arena.
In almost a repeat of their exhibition match 12 months ago, de Minaur survived a fightback from the Spaniard to win 7-5 4-6 10-5 in a little over two hours.
The match showcased a complete return to peak fitness for De Minaur, who struggled with a hip injury during the back half of 2025.
De Minaur was immediately on the front foot, creating two break points in the opening game before Alcaraz rallied to hold.
The Spaniard gained the early ascendancy in the fourth game after breaking De Minaur to love to lead 3-1.
MORE: Australian Open qualifying 2025: Results, draw
Alcaraz had two game points on his serve at 4-2 but squandered both, as the Australian made a terrific chase down of a drop shot from the four-time major winner.
De Minaur managed to break back in that game before it remained on serve until deep in the first set.
The Australian got his nose in front by converting the seventh break he had created to go 6-5 up, before serving out the set in the following game.
After only creating one break point in the first set, Alcaraz was hoping to make inroads on the de Minaur serve in the second set.
But after conjuring up four break points on de Minaur's serve in the eighth game, Alcaraz failed to snare any as the Australian held to make it 4-4.
However, de Minaur continued to falter on serve as Alcaraz held and then broke the Australian to win the second set 6-4.
With the charity match going straight to a 10-point tiebreak, de Minaur ran away with the match - just like he did in 2024.
Alcaraz had no answers as de Minaur sprinted out to a 9-2 lead. Alcaraz fought back slightly before the Aussie won it 10-5.
AO Opening Week schedule 2025
All times AEDT
Wednesday, January 8
- Qualifying - All Day
- Players practice session at Rod Laver Arena - All Day
- Qinwen Zheng vs. Elina Svitolina - 5pm
- Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alex de Minaur - 7pm
Thursday, January 9
- Qualifying - All Day
- Players practice session at Rod Laver Arena - All Day
- AO 1 Point Slam - KIA Arena - 1pm
- Australian Open draw 2:30pm
- Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev - mixed doubles - 5pm
- A Night With Novak - two matches (TBC) - 7pm
Friday, January 10
- Qualifying - All Day
- Players practice session at Rod Laver Arena - All Day
- Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexei Popyrin - 5pm
- Jannik Sinner vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas - 7pm
Saturday, January 11
- Kids Tennis Day - All Day
