Alex de Minaur Makes Bold Statement Ahead of Roland Garros

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 17, 2025 10:15 AM ET

Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur has never been shy about his work ethic, but ahead of Roland Garros 2025, he’s pairing that trademark hustle with a bold new level of confidence.

Speaking during his press conference at the Madrid Open, De Minaur sent a clear message to the French Open favorites – he is not to be counted out.

“I'm close to my peak on clay, I believe, but right now I see myself ready to beat anyone on this surface," said de Minaur in a bold statement.

“Three years ago, this part of the season was difficult for me because I couldn't deliver my usual competitiveness. My goal was always to be solid on all surfaces and be able to compete at my highest level every week of the year,” he added.

While he lost to the eventual semi-finalist Tommy Paul at the Italian Open, de Minaur has had a successful clay court wing so far, making it to the semis of the Monte-Carlo Masters and the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open.

His losses have come only to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti, who have been dominating on the dirt in the past few weeks.

“For the past two years, I think I've understood what I needed to do to be competitive on clay, and I'm achieving it,” said de Minaur.

“The key has been working very hard in the gym to strengthen my lower body and move better on clay, as well as to increase the power of my shots. I put a lot of effort into that, and the truth is that my feelings now are getting better and better," added the Australian.

Alex de Minaur will look to capitalize on a returning Jannik Sinner, an injury prone Alcaraz and a shaky Novak Djokovic, to make his mark and go deep into the second week at the Roland Garros.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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