‘Bigger and better things’: Alex de Minaur shoots up the rankings despite losing thriller to Carlos Alcaraz in Rotterdam

Alex de Minaur has jumped above some tennis royalty in the world rankings despite going down in the final in Rotterdam.

Alex de Minaur will rise to No.6 in the world rankings despite going down to Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Rotte dam Open.

It’s the second year in a row the Aussie has lost in the final at the event having been beaten by Italian world No.1 Jannik Sinner 12 months ago in straight sets.

The 6-4 3-6 6-2 loss move de Minaur to No.6 in the world – his equal-highest ranking – having also reached the quarter-final of the Australian Open for the first time last month.

Carlos Alcaraz with an ABSURD shot against Alex de Minaur in Rotterdam.

Truly ridiculous movement and instincts.

There are tennis players.

And there are super heroes.

Carlos Alcaraz is both.

pic.twitter.com/MZ6OrbZg8b

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 9, 2025

“We’re pushing for bigger and better things,” he said.

“It’s been two years now with this runner-up trophy. I’m hoping I’ll get my hand on the winner’s one day.

“It’s a week to be very proud of, considering the way I’ve been feeling all week off the court.

“I’ve definitely been struggling, so I’m happy with the effort, the level, (and) I thought I definitely had some chances today, and maybe could have done a little bit more in certain moments, but he played well in those exact moments and deserved to win.”

Alcaraz was knocked out of the Australian Open by Novak Djokovic but bounced back well to become the first Spaniard to win in Rotterdam.

“This week has been a really good week altogether,” Alcaraz said.

“Putting in really good work. Coming here (not) feeling 100 per cent well with the cold but after every day I’m feeling better and better. Rotterdam has been a really special week for me.

“I was going to say not only for the title … yeah for the title as well, but for the support that I received here since the first day.”

Originally published as ‘Bigger and better things’: Alex de Minaur shoots up the rankings despite losing thriller to Carlos Alcaraz in Rotterdam