Alex de Minaur's perseverance paid off as he claimed one of the biggest titles of his career at the Rotterdam Open, marking a 'third time lucky' moment. The Australian tennis star delivered a masterful performance, defeating the red-hot Felix Auger-Aliassime, who had won the Montpellier Open just a week prior. De Minaur's finest tennis on Sunday (Monday AEDT) showcased his skill, crushing the Canadian world No 6. Despite Auger-Aliassime's impressive service, De Minaur dismantled his delivery in the first set, winning 6-3, 6-2. This triumph was a reward for De Minaur's doggedness, as he finally lifted the title at one of his favorite hard-court tournaments, having lost the last two finals to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The 26-year-old beamed with joy, stating, 'I mean, third time lucky.' De Minaur's performance was exceptional, taking just 77 minutes to become the second Australian winner in the prestigious tournament's 54-year history. He mirrored 2004 winner Lleyton Hewitt's aggressive style, never letting Auger-Aliassime settle. De Minaur's constant pressing prevented Auger-Aliassime from revisiting his dazzling form, and near the end, the Canadian appeared exhausted, needing treatment for a hip problem. Despite this, De Minaur's triumph shouldn't be overshadowed by Auger-Aliassime's struggles. The Australian outplayed his rival, who had held a 6-3 win record, proving that 'Alex was just a bit too good.' De Minaur's victory marks his fifth triumph in an ATP 500 event, solidifying his position as a top player in the sport.
