Alex de Minaur Reveals Major Practice Change Amid Stress

The Australian tennis player has implemented a key adjustment to his training routine to better manage pressure and improve his mental approach on the ATP Tour.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:54am

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Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur has recently made a significant change to his practice routine in order to better manage stress and pressure. In a candid interview, de Minaur revealed that earlier in his career, he would often "live the stress of every mistake" made during practice, which negatively impacted his mental state during matches. However, he has since learned to be more patient with himself and not get as worked up over practice results, recognizing the need to distinguish the intensity of competition from the training environment.

Why it matters

De Minaur's shift in mindset reflects a growing awareness among professional athletes of the importance of mental endurance and wellbeing. By learning to be more forgiving of himself during practice, de Minaur aims to improve his performance consistency and resilience under pressure, which could pay dividends as he continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

The details

De Minaur's recent success includes winning his 11th ATP Tour title at the Rotterdam Open and reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year. However, he suffered an unexpected loss to American player Patrick Kypson in the first round of the Acapulco Open, despite serving for the match at a crucial 5-4 moment in the final set. De Minaur is now preparing to compete in the upcoming Indian Wells Masters tournament.

  • In February 2026, de Minaur opened up about his practice routine changes in a YouTube documentary.
  • De Minaur won the Rotterdam Open earlier this year.
  • De Minaur reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year.
  • De Minaur lost in the first round of the Acapulco Open in a tight three-set match against Patrick Kypson.
  • The Indian Wells Masters tournament is scheduled to begin on March 4.

The players

Alex de Minaur

An Australian tennis player known for his dedication and skill on the ATP Tour, having won 11 ATP titles and reached the quarter-finals of multiple Grand Slam tournaments.

Patrick Kypson

An American tennis player who defeated de Minaur in the first round of the Acapulco Open in a tight three-set match.

Felix Auger-Aliassime

A Canadian tennis player whom de Minaur defeated in the final of the Rotterdam Open.

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What they’re saying

“Over the years, I have gotten better at not looking into practice that much, in terms of I know my level and in the past I would be pretty p—— off with myself for missing so many balls, which is something I know I am better than. But I have gotten better at understanding situations and just being a bit nicer to myself. Before it was like every time I stepped on the court it was like I was playing a match and living the stress of every mistake.”

— Alex de Minaur

“It feels amazing. Everything was important. I had to serve well. I had to return well. I did my forehand really big. Luckily, I was able to do those things for a pretty extended period of time.”

— Patrick Kypson

What’s next

De Minaur is now preparing to compete in the Indian Wells Masters tournament, scheduled to begin on March 4.

The takeaway

De Minaur's shift in mindset during practice reflects a growing awareness among professional athletes of the importance of mental endurance and wellbeing. By learning to be more patient and forgiving of himself during training, de Minaur aims to improve his performance consistency and resilience under pressure, which could pay dividends as he continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport.