Alex de Minaur hits career milestone with 250th win at United Cup: Youngest after Jannik Sinner

Alex de Minaur made an impressive start at the United Cup with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry. It marked the Australian’s 250th career win, making him the second player born in 1999 or later to reach the milestone, trailing only Jannik Sinner (263 wins).

The 25-year-old achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 6 in 2024 and enters 2025 firmly established in the top 10. De Minaur compiled a 47-21 record in 2024, ranking as the 6th player with the most wins of the season.

The Australian clinched two titles in 2024: the ATP 500 Acapulco Open and the ATP 250 Libéma Open in ’s-Hertogenbosch. He also reached the final at the Rotterdam Open, the semifinals in Vienna, and the quarterfinals at three Grand Slam tournaments.

De Minaur is the second player born in or after 1999 to hit the 250-win mark. Only five players of the same age or younger have surpassed 200 wins, with Sinner leading the pack. De Minaur is followed by Félix Auger-Aliassime (215), Carlos Alcaraz (209), and Denis Shapovalov (207).

As for the United Cup, De Minaur’s victory wasn’t enough for Team Australia. In the opening match, former French Open semifinalist Nadia Podoroska defeated Olivia Gadecki, and in the deciding mixed doubles, Argentina’s María Lourdes Carle and Etcheverry overcame doubles specialists Ellen Perez (former doubles World No. 7) and Matthew Ebden (former doubles World No. 1).

Australia will return to action on January 1 against Great Britain. Gadecki will face World No. 28 Katie Boulter in the opening match, followed by De Minaur taking on Billy Harris (replacing Jack Draper). If needed, the tie will proceed to a deciding mixed doubles match. However, Australia must aim for a decisive win to keep their hopes alive in the team competition.