Alex de Minaur has prevailed in the exhibition match between himself and Carlos Alcaraz held during Fans Week at the Australian Open. He won the match 7-5, 4-6, 10-5 against an erratic Carlitos.
Alcaraz had just flown in to prepare for the Australian Open and so is still jetlagged while of course De Minaur had the upperhand with it being his home country and also being there since the United Cup.
Alcaraz now after giving the fans what they want so to speak will in fact await his Australian Open draw fate which should be confirmed through the night on Thursday. He will then tackle practice for the first time having just landed with his team which also includes Samuel Lopez for the first time as another cog in the armoury.
It was also a new look Alcaraz as Andrea Petkovic said afterwards. He has a new haircut and looks different albeit like his early career days. “I discussed with my barber that when I get a haircut… three days later it’s grown out. So I have to go more often. It’s a New year. I knew I was gonna be here in Australia. 40 Degrees. It’s summer here. I thought I needed something new. I already did this haircut a few years ago and I just like it. Probably this year is gonna be a new Carlitos in style," he said.
He will hope that not only will it gleam him extra style points but also good form after a poor end to last season as he tailed off towards the end from his best.
He was also asked about De Minaur getting engaged and his own hopes of being so as he laughed. "Who knows this year, no engagement so far. I laughed with some close people that during the break, 3 or 4 players got engaged. I thought it was my turn, but not yet," he joked.
Entertainment factor 📈@carlosalcaraz and @alexdeminaur putting on a show in Rod Laver Arena!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/g2pvWZwxrY
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 8, 2025
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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