NEW YORK — A frustrated Alex de Minaur was left “seeing red” after a painful fourth-round US Open exit at the hands of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, a match the Australian felt was firmly within his grasp before a series of controversial calls and a dip in his famed consistency saw him fall in four sets.
The 13th-seeded de Minaur, who had been in scintillating form through the first three rounds, succumbed to the 22nd-seeded Auger-Aliassime 7-6(2), 6-4, 1-6, 6-7(5), 3-6 in a grueling contest that lasted four hours and 13 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The loss marks another deep run at a major that ended just short of a coveted quarterfinal berth for the 25-year-old Australian.
The match’s pivotal moment arrived deep in the fourth set. With de Minaur leading two sets to one and serving at 5-4 to force a decisive tiebreak, a crucial line call went against him. On break point, a forehand from Auger-Aliassime was called out, which would have given de Minaur the set. However, the call was swiftly overruled by the chair umpire, who deemed the ball had clipped the line. With no Hawk-Eye Live electronic review system in use on Armstrong Stadium, the decision stood, and Auger-Aliassime secured the break back.
An incensed de Minaur argued the call vehemently, but to no avail. The Australian’s frustration was palpable as he dropped the ensuing tiebreak 7-5, sending the match into a fifth and final set. In his post-match press conference, de Minaur did not hold back, stating, "I'm seeing red. The guy in the chair saw a mark and called it out. I don't know how the umpire can overturn it from where he is."
The momentum had irrevocably shifted. Auger-Aliassime, buoyed by the reprieve, raced to a 4-0 lead in the fifth set, his powerful serve and forehand finally finding their range with consistency. While de Minaur managed to claw one break back, the deficit proved too great to overcome. Auger-Aliassime closed out the match on his first match point with a thunderous ace, his 23rd of the match.
For de Minaur, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, not just because of the disputed call but due to a perceived drop in his own level after dominating the third set. "It's a tough one to take," he admitted. "I felt like I had all the momentum after the third set. I had chances in the fourth, and then one call changes the entire match."
A Tale of Momentum Swings
The match was a classic contrast in styles: de Minaur’s relentless retrieving and flat groundstrokes against the explosive power and serve of Auger-Aliassime. The first set was a tight affair, with neither player facing a break point, but the Canadian dominated the tiebreak 7-2. He carried that momentum into the second set, breaking de Minaur’s serve once to seize a commanding two-set lead.
Just as the match seemed to be slipping away, de Minaur mounted a characteristic fightback. He began to extend the rallies, forcing Auger-Aliassime into errors, and broke the Canadian’s serve three times to claim the third set 6-1 in a blistering 29 minutes. The Australian’s confidence was soaring, and he seemed the likelier winner as he pushed towards leveling the match in the fourth.
However, the critical call and the lost tiebreak halted his charge. Auger-Aliassime, who has struggled with injuries and form over the past year, found a second wind. His key strengths became decisive factors in the fifth set:
- Powerful Serve: He fired 10 of his 23 aces in the final set, giving de Minaur few opportunities to attack.
- Forehand Dominance: He consistently dictated play with his heavy forehand, ending the match with 66 winners.
- Mental Resilience: He weathered the storm of de Minaur’s comeback and the tense atmosphere.
Post-Match Reactions and Fallout
While de Minaur was clearly aggrieved, he was also self-critical, acknowledging that the loss wasn't solely down to one call. "At the end of the day, I've got to be better. I had my chances and I didn't take them. I let my emotions get the better of me in the fifth, and against a player like Felix, you can't do that," he said, demonstrating his trademark honesty.
Auger-Aliassime, for his part, expressed sympathy for his opponent’s frustration but focused on his own triumph. "It's never easy when there's a dispute. I just tried to focus on the next point. Alex is an incredible competitor; he makes you work for every single point. This is a huge win for me and my confidence."
The victory propels Auger-Aliassime into his third US Open quarterfinal, where he will face second-seeded Novak Djokovic. For de Minaur, the search for a maiden major quarterfinal continues. Despite the setback, his 2024 season has been a resounding success, cementing his place as a top-15 player and a constant threat on all surfaces.
Looking Ahead for The Demon
The immediate pain of this loss will sting for de Minaur, a competitor known for his burning desire to win. However, his ability to dissect his performances and learn from setbacks has been a hallmark of his rise. This experience, however cruel, adds another layer to his development. The focus now shifts to the remainder of the season, including the ATP Tour events and the Davis Cup Finals, where he will be a cornerstone for the Australian team.
The match will undoubtedly be remembered for its dramatic turning point, but it also served as a reminder of the fine margins at the highest level of tennis. For Alex de Minaur, it was a harsh lesson in managing adversity in the heat of battle, a lesson he will no doubt use as fuel in his continued pursuit of Grand Slam glory.