Article by Luminița Paul – Published Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:40 p.m. / Updated Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:40 p.m.
Australia's Alex de Minaur (26, ATP No. 7) prevailed 7-6 (3), 6-3 over Taylor Fritz (28, World No. 6) in their last match in the “Jimmy Connors” group at the ATP Finals. He still has a chance to qualify for the semifinals, but it depends on the Alcaraz-Musetti match.
Decisive day at the ATP Finals for the “Jimmy Connors” group, where before the last matches no player had yet secured his presence in the semi-finals. Not even Carlos Alcarazvictorious in the first two games. The inaugural duel was against Taylor Fritzfavorite 6, and Alex de Minaurseed 7.
Although he suffered a painful defeat two days ago to Lorenzo Musetti after leading 5-3 in the decider, the Aussie rallied superbly to play his chance. To do what is up to him to stay in the race for the penultimate act, namely: win in straight sets.
Alex de Minaur, offensive game and cool blood at the end
For this he showed a game a little different from his usual style, attacking much more and dominating the American. On the other hand, Fritz was visibly influenced by emotions, and this was reflected in his play in key moments.
After a balanced first act, in which Alex led with 3-1, then he saw himself tied, he managed an almost perfect tie-break, winning with 7-3. In the second half, he gained momentum much faster, 2-0, keeping the foreground and distancing himself to 5-2. He even had a match point then, but Fritz rallied impressively and avoided defeat for the time being.
He even gave himself some hope when he was 30-0 on the return in the next game, but de Minaur couldn't seem to get out of that zone of almost total concentration. Four points in a row and the victory was sealed, 6-3!
Alex De Minaur, that is CLUTCH 🙌
A 7-6 6-3 win over Fritz keeps his #NittoATPFinals dream alive! pic.twitter.com/gqSzJmWQu5
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 13, 2025
The success in minimum sets of the player from Antipozi also meant that the qualification of Carlos Alcaraz was initialed. Next, De Minaur depends on tonight's Alcaraz-Musetti match. If the Spaniard prevails, then the Australian will accompany him in the semi-finals. If the Italian beats, he will be the one to go forward along with Carlitos.
“Finally,” Alex de Minaur wrote on camera after the match. In his second appearance at the ATP Finals after debuting last year, he had lost all of his group matches in 2024. With the success over Fritz, he achieved his first victory at the Champions Tour.
Alex de Minaur: “I'm a perfectionist, I demand a lot from myself, and sometimes that's the biggest danger”
He then showed his disbelief in the on-field interview. “All you need is for Alcaraz to win and you're in the semi-finals“, I told him. “Is that really right? Ugh. I don't know, I don't trust you now, I have to see what happens“, answered de Minaur cautiously.
“It was very good. Obviously, coming off a tough defeat two days ago, I went into this match with a very clear tactic and mentality. I knew that I would have to fight, that I would show my tennis in my style, it was the only option. I am happy to get a positive confirmation after a long year and after a lot of effort in this tournament in particular“, he told the Tennis Channel.
After the previous match, the Australian had declared that he was disappointed because of the lost matches, after he had the advantage. “I said it was probably one of the darkest periods I've had in my career and some people may think I'm exaggerating. But that was on my mind, and being a perfectionist, I demand a lot from myself, and sometimes that's the biggest danger. But now is a moment when I feel good. Whatever happens next, today I entered the court with things clear, I did my part and I think I played good tennis“, he concluded.
