Alex de Minaur speaks after reaching the final in China, ‘I needed something different’
Tennis player Alex de Minaur reached the final of the China Open after his opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, retired due to an adductor injury. De Minaur credited his recent participation in team events for a mental reset that helped him regain his form.
Why it matters
Professional athletes often face mental slumps, and this highlights the role of team environments in individual sport performance.
Alex de Minaur advanced to the final of the China Open on Monday after his semifinal opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, retired.
Hurkacz, visibly struggling physically, called a halt to the contest when down 4-6, 2-3 against De Minaur , who reached his third final of the 2026 season. The Australian has had a difficult year on the ATP Tour, with several early exits at big tournaments.
Across Grand Slam and ATP Masters 1000 level, De Minaur has reached just two quarterfinals, which he managed at the Australian Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters. But now, the world number nine has the chance to claim his 12th tour-level title in Beijing.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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