Australian Open 2024: Alex de Minaur defeated by Andrey Rublev in fourth round

The fourth round of the Australian Open once again proved to be the downfall of Alex de Minaur, as the mental demons of ‘The Demon’ took over to end his Australian Open.

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 21, 2024: 2024 Australian Open Tennis – Alex de Minaur reacts against Andrey Rublev during their fourth round singles match on Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart

Alex de Minaur’s mental demons got the best of him once again.

The Australian Open fourth round remains an insurmountable hurdle for the Aussie No. 1 after he bowed out of his home slam in a brutal five-set fist fight with fifth-seed Andrey Rublev on Sunday night.

The fiery Russian’s punishing ground strokes proved too much for de Minaur to handle, as the Aussie fell for a fourth-straight year in the round of 16, 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-0.

The curse, it seems, is real.

Twelve months earlier he walked off Rod Laver Arena defeated and deflated after being brutalised by Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Alex de Minaur has again fallen in the fourth round. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP)

He conquered those demons at the United Cup in Perth earlier this month, when he blew past the world No. 1 to send Australia into the finals.

This time the emotions were different for de Minaur. This time, it was less because he lost and more because the match was there for him to win.

He had Rublev on the ropes. The Russian was unravelling before the world’s eyes and the Aussie was on a roll.

Rublev roared in anger as de Minaur danced around the court and returned every angry forehand he fired his way.

In the big tie-breaker moments the Aussie held the mental edge over the world No. 5, who was on the cusp of capitulating more than once.

When de Minaur stepped into the court and sent a brilliant backhand down the line to clinch the second set, it felt like the kind of moment that would be etched in our memories for years to come.

Alex de Minaur’s tournament is over. Picture: Mark Stewart

But too often he left us wanting more.

Just three of 16 break points converted told the tale. De Minaur got himself to the finish line so many times but failed to take the final step.

Dropping the fourth set felt like a dagger. Rublev drove it all the way home.

Demon’s defeat makes it 16 wins and 40 losses against top 10 opponents. That number is 1-10 at grand slams.

Last year, the Djokovic defeat steeled him to become a better player.

Let’s hope the lessons learned in this one can help get him over the line 2025.