Australian star Alex de Minaur kept his ATP Finals campaign alive with a brilliant 7-6(3), 6-3 victory over Taylor Fritz in their final round-robin match on Thursday in Turin. The result eliminated the American and left De Minaur’s own semi-final hopes hanging on the outcome of the clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti.

De Minaur’s Determination Shines

True to his “Demon” nickname, De Minaur showcased trademark energy, grit, and relentless defense as he hustled a flat-looking Fritz around the court. After edging a tight first-set tiebreak, the Australian seized an early break in the second set and powered through to claim the win.

A victory for world number one Carlos Alcaraz against Musetti in the later match would send De Minaur through to the semi-finals alongside the Spaniard. However, a Musetti win would end the Australian’s campaign.

When informed of the scenario after the match, De Minaur responded with a grin:

“Is that actually true or not? I don’t know, I don’t trust you right now — I’m gonna have to see what happens.”

Alcaraz Controls the Group

Alcaraz has already secured a semi-final spot regardless of the result against Musetti. A win would guarantee him top spot in the Jimmy Connors Group and the year-end world number one ranking, ahead of Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

For Fritz, last year’s runner-up, the defeat ended his hopes of a return to the last four. The American, who had beaten Musetti in his opener before falling in a thrilling three-set battle with Alcaraz, struggled with his normally dominant serve and was outworked by the energetic Australian.

Redemption for De Minaur

For De Minaur, the win marked a significant moment. The 24-year-old had lost all three of his round-robin matches on debut at last year’s Finals, and this week suffered heartbreak against Musetti after letting slip a 5-3 lead in the deciding set.

“I’ve dealt with a fair bit of heartbreak recently, so it was good to finally get a win here in Turin,” De Minaur admitted.

The Australian channeled that disappointment into motivation. Against Fritz, he looked sharp from the start, breaking for a 3-1 lead in the opening set. Although Fritz rallied to force a tiebreak, De Minaur dominated it, racing to a 4-1 lead and sealing it 7-3.

He began the second set in similar fashion, breaking to love and surging ahead 3-0. This time, there was no response from Fritz, who struggled to match De Minaur’s pace and consistency. The American saved a break point at 2-5 but could do little to stop De Minaur from confidently serving out the match.

After a week that began in frustration, the Australian finished his group campaign with renewed belief — and a chance, however dependent, to reach the semi-finals in Turin.