The Demon Steals DC

ATP

The Demon Steals DC

On Sunday, Alex De Minaur beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3) to take home the DC Open title. It’s safe to say that this was one of the best matches of the year.

It had everything:

Jaw dropping shots ✅

Dramatic match point saves (3 of ‘em) ✅

And noteworthy sportsmanship from the champ ✅

I seriously wish I would have been at this one live.

Because if you really study this match, there’s a bigger lesson here — one that’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for it: There isn’t just one way to play offense in tennis.

We usually associate offense with raw firepower: Shelton’s serve, Federer’s forehand, etc. But at just 6’ 0” (probably with dress shoes on), The Demon shows us a different blueprint built on physicality and relentless pressure.

Keeping Balls Low

De Minaur’s shots stay low, especially on his backhand.

This forces his opponents to hit up on the ball (and therefore hit slower), otherwise they risk dumping a ball in the net or sailing it 10 feet long. For all you pickleball players, it’s the same principle: if you try to speed up a ball below net height, chances are you’ll miss long.

Even worse? It’s exhausting. Fokina basically had to stay in a constant squat for nearly three hours. Just look at this screenshot — his left knee is almost touching the court. De Minaur doesn’t just grind. He forces you to grind.

Taking Time Away from his Opponents

The second part of his game is even sneakier: he takes time away.

Not by rushing the net or hitting huge — but by hitting early. De Minaur steps in, cuts off the bounce, and redirects balls before you’re even ready. He doesn’t need a massive backswing to do damage — his opponent’s pace does the work for him.

Watch the highlights and count how often he strikes from inside the baseline, especially off the backhand wing. He’s not camping out behind the baseline like a traditional counterpuncher. He’s pushing forward — surgically.

Not Just a Grinder

Yes, he’s fast. Yes, he’s in insane shape. But he’s also shaping rallies, forcing errors, applying pressure — all without the traditional markers of offense.

So before you label The Demon as “just a grinder” or “defensive” player, take a closer look. He’s got a whole bag of sinister tools to play offense and make your day at the office a painful one.

Trivia

Who’s forehand is this?

A. Daniil Medvedev

B. Taylor Fritz

C. Holger Rune

D. Casper Ruud

Find out at the bottom!

Meet the Player

Hailey Baptiste

From: United States 🇺🇸

Best Slam Result: 4R

Career High Ranking: 48

Fun Fact: Her dog’s name is Tsonga

Game Analysis: The DC native has a rare game that drives her opponents nuts. In particular, she leverages the slice, drop shot, and slower looping balls to disrupt their rhythm. Coupled with a heavy forehand and elite movement, it’s no wonder why the 23 year old has already cracked the Top 50.

Career Prediction: I feel bad for whoever’s in the Top 20 that’s going to get booted once Baptiste joins the club. I don’t think there’s a slam in her future, but she’ll definitely make some strong QF runs.

Around the Net

Some of my favorite tennis content I found on the internet this week…

😮 Throwback to one of the best match points you’ll ever see, featuring Richard Gasquet and David Ferrer

👙 The players with the worst tan lines

😂 The moment when Andre Agassi knew he’d never beat Rafael Nadal

Answer

B. Taylor Fritz