By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 6, 2025
What a difference a year makes. Think back 52 weeks and remember one of the most heartbreaking moments of the 2024 tennis season: A worried Alex de Minaur injuring his hip on the last point of his victory over Arthur Fils in the fourth round.
The Aussie was through the round, but a dark cloud had emerged. Instead of facing Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals he was forced to pull out and would not take the court again for two months, at the US Open.
On Saturday at Wimbledon, a healthy De Minaur zoomed into the fourth round to book – you guessed it – a showdown with seven-time champion Djokovic.
What a difference a year makes…
“It was a brutal time for me last year, having to deal with all of those emotions. But here we are a year later, ready to go”12 months after injury forced him to withdraw vs Djokovic, Alex De Minaur will get his crack at him on Monday
Wrapping Day 6https://t.co/xRDaW9CwaQ
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“It’s funny how life works,” De Minaur told reporters. “Here we are a year later, and I’m going to get that matchup. It is a round earlier. But still, it was a brutal time for me last year having to deal with all of those emotions. But here we are a year later feeling good, ready to go, and I’m going to get my chance again. So I’m excited for that.”
Credit De Minaur for coming back strong. He is 1-2 lifetime against Djokovic, with a win over the legend at the United Cup in 2024. Djokovic knows that he is in for his toughest test of the fortnight on Monday.
“He’s playing the tennis of his life,” Djokovic said. “He’s definitely knocking on the door of the final stages of Grand Slams. He’s gotten to the quarters several times.
“Last year had to pull out unfortunately because of his injury. This year again he’s there. He hasn’t dropped a set. He’s playing well. You’re not super excited to play Alex de Minaur on grass, that’s for sure, because he’s so quick and he’s a complete player, all around.
“He has gained pace on his serve, as well. He hits his spots very well. Just a tough, very tough challenge… I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a great test to see where my game is at against a top player like Alex.”
