Tennis: Alex de Minaur Cruises Past Fils as Top Seed at Rotterdam Open

Alex de Minaur. Top seed at Rotterdam. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew and the Australian stepped up. First round done — 7-6(3), 6-2 over France’s Arthur Fils on Tuesday.

De Minaur Eyes Third Rotterdam Final

The world No. 6 is hunting the title that has eluded him twice. Runner-up at Rotterdam in both 2024 and 2025. Determined to go one better this year.

Trademark speed and court coverage on full display. Tight first set taken in a tiebreak before running away with the second. His 2026 season record now stands at 7-2.

De Minaur could face compatriot Aleksandar Vukic or the retiring Stan Wawrinka in the second round. An all-Australian clash is a genuine possibility.

WTA Abu Dhabi: Maya Joint Wins Doubles

In other Australian tennis news, Maya Joint partnered with Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova to win the WTA Abu Dhabi Open doubles title on February 7. They defeated Mihalikova and Nicholls 3-6, 7-6(5), 10-8 in a thrilling final. The singles title went to Czech rising star Sara Bejlek, who beat Alexandrova 7-6(5), 6-1.

Australian Open Recap

Two weeks since Melbourne and the talking points remain. Carlos Alcaraz’s first Australian Open title. Elena Rybakina’s women’s crown. Four Australians through qualifying to the main draw — the most since 1992. John Peers and Olivia Gadecki defended their mixed doubles title.

De Minaur’s 2026 Season So Far

Tournament	Result
United Cup	Runner-up (team event)
Australian Open	Fourth round
Rotterdam Open	In progress (top seed)

His 7-2 record in 2026 includes wins over Tsitsipas and Rune in Melbourne. The 26-year-old Sydneysider is on track for a career-best ranking if he can convert his Rotterdam seeding into a title.

What’s Next

Rotterdam continues through to the final on Sunday February 15. The ATP Dallas Open was won by Taylor Fritz over the weekend. The tour then moves towards the Sunshine Swing with Indian Wells in March — where de Minaur reached the quarterfinals in 2025.

Follow all tennis action on the Tennis Hub.

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LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com