Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur delivered one of the most thrilling comebacks of the 2025 season, saving three championship points to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3) and claim his 10th ATP Tour title at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open on Sunday.Alex de Minaur Captures Dramatic Washington Open Title in Epic Comeback

A Match for the Ages

The final was a rollercoaster of emotions that showcased both players’ resilience and fighting spirit. After Davidovich Fokina took the opening set 7-5, de Minaur responded emphatically, smashing the Spaniard 6-1 in just 30 minutes in the second set to force a decider.

The drama reached its peak in the third set when Davidovich Fokina held a commanding 5-3 lead and later served for the title at 5-4. The Spaniard held three championship points, but de Minaur’s never-say-die attitude shone through in the most crucial moments.

De Minaur was just 16 millimetres from defeat on his opponent’s third match point, but a desperate lob clipped the sideline and helped him turn the point and the match around. The Australian’s incredible court coverage and fighting spirit were on full display as he saved all three championship points before forcing a tiebreak, which he won 7-3.

Historical Significance and Personal Triumph

This victory holds special meaning for de Minaur, who has a unique connection to the Washington tournament. The Australian previously reached the 2018 Washington final at age 19, where he saved four match points against Andrey Rublev but ultimately lost to Alexander Zverev. Reflecting on his comeback, de Minaur said, “It’s something about this court. I did it in 2018 against Rublev and honestly, I just kind of knew I could do it”.

“This is a special tournament, it’s one that’s close to my heart,” the 2025 Washington Open champion said, adding that he joins an esteemed group of Australians who have triumphed in Washington, including Ken Rosewall, Tony Roche, Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios.

The title represents de Minaur’s first ATP crown in over a year, since s-Hertogenbosch in June 2024, and elevates him to world No.8, his highest ranking in nearly three months.

Sportsmanship and Heartbreak

Beyond the tennis, the match will be remembered for a touching moment of sportsmanship. For Davidovich Fokina, who was seeking his first ATP Tour title, it marked a cruel blow after missing out on two championship points in Delray Beach in February and losing the Acapulco final in March. The Spaniard broke down in tears after his fourth consecutive ATP final defeat, bringing his record in finals to 0-4.

De Minaur sat beside his devastated opponent on the bench, consoling him and later stating during the trophy ceremony, “You deserved it today”. The Australian’s words of encouragement continued: “You’re way too good to not have one of these [trophies]. It’s coming for sure… This is not the end, this is only going up for you”.

Season Dominance and Looking Ahead

At the conclusion of the event, both players lead the ATP Tour in hard-court wins in 2025 and stand among the top five in total match wins this season, with de Minaur recording 35 victories and Davidovich Fokina 32. De Minaur improved to a Tour-leading 21 hard-court wins on the season and has the most wins at the ATP 500 level (41) since the start of the 2023 season.

The Australian hopes to carry this momentum into the Toronto Masters, where he seeks his first-career ATP Masters title, before turning attention to the US Open later this summer.

This Washington Open triumph showcased everything that makes de Minaur special – his incredible speed and court coverage that earned him the nickname “Speed Demon,” his fighting spirit, and perhaps most importantly, his class and sportsmanship in victory. It was a fitting way to capture his milestone 10th ATP title and return to the world’s top 10.

Maya Joint: A New Star Rises with WTA 250 Rabat Title

At just 19 years old, Australian tennis sensation Maya Joint has announced herself as a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour, capturing her first WTA 250 title in Rabat and marking herself as the first new champion of the 2025 season in women’s tennis. Her victory comes after a remarkable climb in the rankings and a series of standout performances throughout the year.

A Milestone Win

Joint’s journey to the Rabat title was nothing short of impressive. In the final, she faced Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian and delivered a commanding performance, winning 6-3, 6-2 in a match that showcased her composure and skill. The win not only earned her the trophy but also secured a significant rise in the rankings, moving her within striking distance of the world’s top 50—just three spots away from breaking into that elite group.

Road to the Final

Joint’s path to the final was also noteworthy. She faced compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic in a semifinal that was as much about resilience as it was about tennis. After a strong start and a 6-4 first-set win, Tomljanovic withdrew due to an abdominal strain, sending Joint into her first WTA final. Despite the bittersweet circumstances, Joint handled the moment with maturity, expressing empathy for her friend and teammate while remaining focused on her own game.

Doubles Success

The Rabat tournament was doubly sweet for Joint, as she also triumphed in the doubles event alongside Georgia’s Oksana Kalashnikova. The pair defeated the all-Italian duo of Angelica Moratelli and Camilla Rosatello, further highlighting Joint’s growing versatility and competitive spirit.

A Bright Future Ahead

Maya Joint’s rapid ascent is a testament to her talent and hard work. Just a year ago, she was ranked outside the top 600; now, she is among the world’s best young players and one of only two teenagers in the top 100 ranked higher than her, alongside Russian phenom Mirra Andreeva. With her confidence soaring and her game continuing to improve, Joint is poised to make an even bigger impact on the global tennis stage.

Looking Forward

As Joint prepares for her debut at Roland Garros, the tennis world will be watching closely. Her performance in Rabat has set the stage for what could be a breakout season, and fans can expect many more thrilling moments from this rising star.

Maya Joint’s Rabat title is more than just a win; it’s a statement—a sign that a new generation of champions is ready to shine.

Below is a bAlex de Minaur (No.9 seed): Strong chance to advance past the first round (faces Laslo Djere, whom he leads 3-0 head-to-head). However, deeper runs are challenging due to a tough quarter featuring top seed Jannik Sinner and other strong clay-courters like Jack Draper and Arthur Fils. Experts suggest de Minaur lacks the weapons on clay to seriously challenge Sinner, but he could reach the third or fourth round if he maintains his current form15.

Alexei Popyrin (No.25 seed): Likely to advance past the first round against Yoshihito Nishioka. Popyrin is in a difficult quarter with Alcaraz, Ruud, and Khachanov, so advancing past the third round is unlikely unless he produces a major upset15.

Jordan Thompson: Faces a tough first-round match against Jiri Lehecka. Even if he advances, the draw is tough, and his clay form is not as strong as his opponents’.

Aleksandar Vukic: Faces No.24 seed Karen Khachanov in the first round—a tough ask. Unlikely to advance unless he produces a major upset1.

Rinky Hijikata: Faces Reilly Opelka, who is returning from injury. Hijikata could win, but the next round would likely be against a seeded or higher-ranked player.

Chris O’Connell: Faces No.22 seed Ugo Humbert. Unlikely to advance unless he produces a major upset.

Adam Walton: Faces a qualifier—reasonable chance to advance to the second round, but the draw gets tougher afterward.

James Duckworth: Faces Alexander Bublik—a tough but winnable match. Advancement past the second round is unlikely.

Tristan Schoolkate: Faces Marton Fucsovics—a tough match for the wildcard. Unlikely to advancereakdown of the Australian players in the main draw, their first-round opponents, and their current rankings.

Men’s Singles: Australian Contingent

• Daria Saville: Faces No.7 seed Madison Keys—unlikely to advance past the first round unless she produces a major upset.
• Kimberly Birrell: Faces Jaqueline Cristian—has a good chance to advance to the second round, but the draw gets tougher quickly.
• Maya Joint vs. Ajla Tomljanovic: This all-Australian clash means only one will advance. Joint is favored due to recent momentum, but neither is expected to make a deep run unless they produce an upset in the next round.
• Olivia Gadecki: Faces No.2 seed Coco Gauff—unlikely to advance past the first round1.
• Destanee Aiava: Faces Dayana Yastremska—unlikely to advance past the first round unless she produces a major upset

Women’s Singles: Australian Contingent

Key Storylines

• Alex de Minaur leads the charge as the top-ranked Australian and the No.9 seed at Roland Garros. He faces Laslo Djere, whom he has beaten in all three previous encounters.
• Maya Joint and Ajla Tomljanovic are set for an all-Australian clash in the first round, following their semifinal meeting in Rabat. Joint, just 19 years old, is making her Roland Garros debut and is on the verge of breaking into the world’s top 60 after a remarkable rise.
• Daria Saville secured her spot in the main draw via qualifying, defeating Taylor Townsend in a grueling final round. She faces a tough opener against the No.7 seed, Madison Keys.
• Olivia Gadecki has drawn world No.2 Coco Gauff, a formidable challenge for her first-round match.
• Kimberly Birrell and Destanee Aiava face Jaqueline Cristian and Dayana Yastremska, respectively, both winnable matches for the in-form Australians.

A Thriving Force on Clay

This year’s Australian contingent is not just larger—it’s more competitive than ever. Players like Jordan Thompson and Aleksandar Vukic have demonstrated they can thrive on clay, with Thompson’s physicality and Vukic’s recent semifinal run at the Estoril Challenger highlighting their potential. The women’s group is also making waves, with Joint’s rapid ascent and Saville’s resilience setting the tone for a strong showing in Paris.

Conclusion

As the tournament gets underway, Australian fans have plenty to cheer for. With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, the 2025 French Open could see the best collective performance by Australians at Roland Garros in decades. Whether it’s de Minaur’s quest for a deep run or Joint’s debut on the big stage, the green and gold are ready to make their mark on the red clay of Paris.

Men’s Singles Predictions

Women’s Singles Predictions

Summary

• Strongest Australian favorites: Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, Rinky Hijikata, Adam Walton, Kimberly Birrell, and Maya Joint.
• Toughest matches: Chris O’Connell, Aleksandar Vukic, James Duckworth, Tristan Schoolkate, Daria Saville, Olivia Gadecki, and Destanee Aiava all face higher-ranked or seeded opponents and are underdogs.
• All-Australian clash: Maya Joint is favored over Ajla Tomljanovic based on recent momentum and form.

These predictions reflect the current landscape and expert consensus, but upsets are always possible in Grand Slam tennis

• • Alex de Minaur (World No. 8): De Minaur leads the Australian charge as a top-10 seed and 2024 quarterfinalist. Despite a recent setback in Rome, where he lost in the round of 16 to Tommy Paul, de Minaur remains Australia’s best hope for a deep run. He has shown improved clay-court form this year, including a win over Daniil Medvedev in Monte Carlo, but consistency against top opponents remains a challenge.

Melbourne, Australia; 12th Jan 2025: Alex de Minaur of Australia during a practice session at the Australian Open. Melbourne, Australia. (Photo Credit: Rob Keating/RobiciaTennisPhotography)

• • Alexei Popyrin (World No. 25): With a career-high ranking and potential seeding, Popyrin is positioned for his best-ever Roland Garros showing.

• • Jordan Thompson & Christopher O’Connell: Both have reached the third round in Paris before and bring valuable experience.

• • Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata, Adam Walton: These players are seeking their first main-draw wins at Roland Garros.

• • Tristan Schoolkate: Awarded a wildcard after a strong year, Schoolkate will make his main-draw debut.

Tristan Schoolkate received a wildcard. (Photo Credit: Rob Keating/RobiciaTennisPhotography)

Nick Kyrgios will be teaming up with Jordan Thompson in the doubles. (Since the article was first published, Kyrgios has withdrawn.

• • Daria Kasatkina (World No. 15): The Russian-born Australian is making her Slam debut for Australia and brings a clay pedigree, having reached the Roland Garros semifinals in 2022. She recently dominated at the Charleston Open and is seen as a strong contender to go deep in Paris.

• • Ajla Tomljanovic: A former fourth-rounder in Paris, Tomljanovic is back in the main draw and looking to recapture her best form.

• • Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki, Maya Joint: Birrell makes her second main-draw appearance, while Gadecki and Joint debut at Roland Garros.

• • Destanee Aiava: The wildcard recipient, ranked No. 157, has shown promise with recent Slam breakthroughs and will look to build on that momentum.

• • Storm Hunter: Returns on a protected ranking and will compete in qualifying, hoping to join the main draw.

• • Nick Kyrgios: While not competing in singles, Kyrgios will return to Roland Garros for the first time since 2017, partnering with Jordan Thompson in doubles. Kyrgios has withdrawn. Thompson is now partnering Jason Kubler, the 2023 Australian Open doubles champion.

• • The main-draw numbers could grow further, with 14 Australians contesting the qualifying rounds and more wildcards possible.

Key Storylines

• • De Minaur’s Quest: Can Alex de Minaur translate his hard-court success and improved clay form into a career-best Slam run?

• • Kasatkina’s Debut: How far can Kasatkina go representing Australia for the first time at a major, given her proven clay-court credentials?

• • Rising Stars: Watch for Aiava, Schoolkate, Gadecki, and Joint as they look to make their mark and possibly spring upsets.

• • Doubles Spotlight: Kyrgios’ return in doubles adds star power and intrigue to the Australian campaign.

Tristan Schoolkate, 24, has been steadily rising through the ranks of professional tennis and enters Paris on the back of growing Grand Slam experience. After reaching the second round at the 2024 US Open, Schoolkate made further waves at the 2025 Australian Open, where he pushed eventual champion Jannik Sinner to four sets in a spirited second-round performance. That match, which saw Schoolkate claim a set from one of the tour’s most dominant players, highlighted the Australian’s fearless game and big-match temperament.

Known for his strong serve and willingness to step inside the baseline, Schoolkate’s game isn’t traditionally built for clay. Yet, his athleticism and improving movement suggest he’s more than capable of adapting. With confidence from two solid Slam outings and growing experience against top-tier opponents, this wildcard presents an ideal platform for the West Australian to prove he belongs among the elite.

For Destanee Aiava, the wildcard signals a follow-on from her 2025 Australian Open apprearance as a qualifier. The 25-year-old burst onto the scene as a teenager but has had to navigate the challenges of expectation, form, and injury over recent years. In 2025, however, she’s shown renewed promise, with an ITF finals appearance and improved consistency lifting her ranking and outlook. Aiava’s powerful groundstrokes and athletic court coverage have always made her a threat, and with a stronger mental game, she enters Roland Garros poised to capitalize on her opportunity.

Both players benefit from the reciprocal wildcard arrangement between Tennis Australia and the French Tennis Federation, but their inclusion is far from symbolic. For Schoolkate, it’s a chance to build on recent Grand Slam momentum; for Aiava, it’s a shot at rediscovery on a global stage.

Roland Garros is a proving ground, and for these two Australians, the challenge is clear—but so is the opportunity. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Schoolkate and Aiava are ready to take their swings in Paris.

Indian Wells is considered the next in line after the majors, players love going to the small town in California and competing at this iconic tournament.

The town itself has a population of just under 5,000. Centre court at the tournament holds a crowd of 16,100.

In round one, 11 Aussies would take to the courts, two others had first round byes.

Of the 11 it was just Christopher O’Connell, Rinky Hijikata, Adam Walton and Kimberly Birrell that joined Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin in the second round.

Sadly for Ajla Tomljanovic and Nick Kyrgios it was injuries that again forced them to retire. Tomljanovic at 6-4 against USA’s Catherine McNally with a shoulder complaint and Kyrgios again troubled by his surgically repaired wrist.

Kyrgios was forced to retire at 7-6(7), 3-0 against Botic van de Zandschulp, the player that knocked out Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 US Open.

Jordan Thompson, who has also been troubled by injury recently, lost to Corentin Moutet 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Aleksandar Vukic was another to lose in three sets, he lost to wildcard Tristan Boyer 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4).

Li Tu was bundled out in straight sets, losing to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-0.

Maya Joint’s recent momentum was halted by Sorana Cirstea of Romania. The 18-year-old Australian losing 6-2, 7-5.

Maddison Inglis was humbled by former Australian Open winner, Sofia Kenin, the final score was 6-2, 6-1.

Birrell pushed herself further up the rankings after defeating Swiss player Viktorija Golubic 6-4, 6-4. The top-ranked Australian female booking a round two match against the no. 28 seed Elise Mertens.

Walton won his match against Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri 7-5, 6-1. Next up for Walton is the no. 27 seed, Denis Shapovalov.

O’Connell advanced with a up and down performance against Spain’s Roberto Carbelles Baena, the final score 6-3, 0-6, 6-1. The no. 28 seed, Matteo Berrettini of Italy awaits in the second round.

For Kyrgios, he had tears after deciding to retire from his match. It was the Canberrans first match since the Australian Open, and he will evaluate the injury before deciding on his spot at the Miami Masters 1000 that directly follows on from Indian Wells.

The 31-year-old had not made the most of three match points when taken to a tie-break in the decider, it took another four to get the job done against Japan’s world no. 148 Ena Shibahara.

Tomljanovic, who is again on the comeback trail has previously been as high as no. 32 back in April 2023.

The Australian winning the quarterfinal match 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(8) in two hours and 33 minutes.

Tomljanovic will face either no. 1 seed Jessica Pegula or Anna Blinkova in the semifinals at the WTA 250 tournament in Austin, Texas.

The US born player has an Australian father and in early 2023 Joint made the decision to represent Australia on the tour.

Joint relocated to Brisbane at that time.

The 18-year-old has been making steady progress towards a top-100 ranking and is now there. Joint’s current live ranking is no. 87.

Her round 2 opponent in Merida is Donna Vekic of Croatia.

On 8 November 2023, Joint committed to the Texas Longhorns tennis team starting from the 2024/25 season. However, on 26 December 2024, Joint announced she would turn professional and forego her college tennis opportunity.

Hewitt advanced to the final following a 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3 victory over South Korea’s Shin Sanhui.

The Australian sits at no. 1174 in the rankings but will jump a decent amount after this achievement.

Hewitt would of course like to take it a step further and win his first professional title.

Hewitt has shown impressive form in Launceston and had earlier defeated the no. 2 seed enroute to the final.

Jason Kubler stands in the way after the former world no. 63 defeated USA’s Christian Langmo 7-6(10), 7-5.

Kubler last week won the M25 title in Burnie.

Tristan Schoolkate surprised Jannik Sinner when he took the opening set of their match.

Destanee Aiava failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity to advance to the third round when she lost to Danielle Collins the no. 10 seed.

James McCabe also put up a good showing, only to lose to Alex Michelsen in straight sets.

de Minaur easily moved past American qualifier Tristan Boyer, taking the match 6-2, 6-4, 6-3. He setup a round 3 meeting with another American, Alex Michelsen.

Michelsen had sent Stefanos Tsitsipas packing after round one and defeated Australia’s James McCabe in round two. The final score 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(4).

Aiava was down 5-0 in the first set tie break after both players were broken once in the opening set. The Australian worked her way back to 5-4 before Collins closed out the first set.

Aiava got off to the best start possible in the second set when she broke the no. 10 seed in the opening game.

The Australian would break again in the 7th game for a 5-2 lead. Collins would break back and then hold serve to close to 4-5 before Aiava was able to serve out the set.

Collins and Aiava both held to love to start the third set. In the fifth game it was Aiva that held a break point before Collins held.

In the very next game it was Collins with a break point, which she converted. Another break in the 8th game saw Collins seal the match 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2.

The other Australian to take to the courts on day five was Tristan Schoolkate. He lined up across the net from Jannik Sinner.

Schoolkate shocked the tennis world when he broke Sinner to love in the tenth game to claim the opening set.

The unheralded Australian manage to hold off Sinner until the 7th game of the second set before he was broken. After that is was all Sinner and the world no. 1 took the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 in two hours and 46 minutes.

So yet again it is all eyes on de Minaur. He and Vukic are the last Aussies remaining in the singles.