From despair to elation: Alex de Minaur keeps ATP Finals hopes alive after dumping Taylor Fritz out in Turin

Alex de Minaur's ATP Finals hopes have been resurrected after a stunning 7-6(3), 6-3 victory over an underwhelming Taylor Fritz in Turin. This is his first win at the sixth time of asking in this competition.

De Minaur was in a dark place after losing a three-set thriller to Lorenzo Musetti, without a win against a top 10 player on tour since the furth round of Roland Garros in 2024. Today, his fortunes have seen a much-needed positive change. He went into the match knowing a straight-set win was the only option, and he delivered in flying colours.

De Minaur would sneak ahead early on as he clinched a crucial break against the big-serving American. A frustrated Fritz was not finding the level had had reached to in his previous matchup against Carlos Alcaraz. However, he was still able to break back three games later before taking a 4-3 lead.

The first set would go the distance, but that could have been different if the Aussie had managed to take the sole break point he got offered to go 6-5 ahead and serve it out. However, that would not be an issue as he raced ahead in the tiebreaker while playing some imperious tennis. The unforced errors would catch up to Fritz as he was unable to do anything about the vastly improving de Minaur. He took the first set with his second match point, keeping his ATP Finals dream alive.

The pattern would continue into the second set. As de Minaur's upward trajectory continued to head skyward, Fritz was not able to get anything going. It seemed like de Minaur's fortunes against the best players in the world were turning for the better. He broke to love enroute to a commanding 3-0 lead.

When 4-2 ahead, de Minaur found himself behind but managed to claw his way back into the game to keep his lead. It was looking better and better for de Minaur who ws just one game away from sealing a huge victory. His first match point was a brilliant tussle, but Fritz's defence was strong, and he kept himself in the tie by holding. De Minaur would not have to wait long to wrap up affairs, racking off four consecutive points including his second match point to secure a terrific win.

This triumph has kept the 26-year-old's dreams alive for a fairytale comeback in this event. He has risen to second in the Jimmy Connors group. His qualification is hanging by a thread, however. He will have to wait for the culmination of Alcaraz's tie against Musetti later today. A win for the Spaniard will see de Minaur complete what would be an incredible turnaround from the devastating lows he experienced a couple of days ago. For Fritz, his campaign in Turin is over after losing his last two matches.