REGRET: Alex de Minaur suffers shocking defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the US Open 2025 quarterfinals. Expected to reach the semifinals, De Minaur squandered the opportunity. He himself admitted his frustration, saying, “It feels like a curse—six times in a row falling short of the semifinals.” Although Auger-Aliassime was the lowest-ranked opponent he had ever faced in a Grand Slam at this stage, doubts quickly arose, sparking major controversy and heated discussions surrounding this match.
The quarterfinal clash between Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime was supposed to be a defining moment for the Australian star. Coming into the match with strong form and immense public support, De Minaur was seen as a favorite not only to reach the semifinals but possibly to challenge for the title. The opportunity seemed within reach, especially against Auger-Aliassime, a player ranked lower and considered less threatening compared to the caliber of opponents usually found at this stage of a major. Yet, what unfolded shocked fans and analysts alike.
From the very first set, De Minaur looked uncharacteristically unsettled. His usual defensive consistency and lightning speed around the court were there in flashes but often gave way to errors under pressure. Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, rose to the occasion. Known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, the Canadian seized control of key points and refused to back down despite being the underdog. Each time De Minaur looked poised to turn the tide, Auger-Aliassime responded with clutch play, silencing the crowd and frustrating his opponent.
As the match progressed, tension mounted. Fans expected De Minaur to find a breakthrough, but instead, he struggled with decision-making and seemed to lose belief in critical moments. By the final set, it was clear that the weight of expectation was pressing heavily on his shoulders. When the last point was played and Auger-Aliassime raised his arms in victory, the stadium was left stunned at the unexpected outcome.
In his post-match interview, De Minaur’s disappointment was palpable. He admitted that falling short once again at a crucial stage of a Grand Slam has been mentally exhausting. “It feels like a curse,” he said, referencing his ongoing struggles to move beyond the quarterfinals or semifinals in major tournaments. For a player long heralded as the future of Australian tennis, this recurring pattern is becoming a painful narrative.
The loss sparked heated debate among fans and commentators. Many questioned how De Minaur could falter against an opponent who, on paper, seemed less formidable. Others pointed out that Auger-Aliassime, despite his lower ranking, has always possessed the talent to challenge the best and perhaps used the underdog label as fuel to perform at his highest level. Regardless of interpretation, the result has thrown a curveball into the tournament and left fans wondering about De Minaur’s mental toughness under Grand Slam pressure.
For Auger-Aliassime, this victory is a career-defining achievement, propelling him into the semifinals with renewed confidence. For De Minaur, however, it is another painful chapter in a story that fans hope will one day change. Until then, the questions and doubts will linger, and the “curse” of falling short remains.
