Alex de Minaur states what Jannik Sinner can do on the ATP Tour that he cannot after winning first round in Washington

Alex de Minaur advanced to the second round of the Washington Open this week after a three-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. The match score ended 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, marking a shift for De Minaur against a player who previously held a significant lead in their head-to-head record. This win helps the Australian gain ground after struggling against top-tier opponents earlier this year.

Following the match, De Minaur addressed the demands of the ATP Tour schedule and the difference in workload between himself and high-ranking players like Jannik Sinner. While Sinner has secured six tournament titles this year, De Minaur has played more total events but with fewer deep runs into the final rounds. This disparity in results directly impacts how often a player can afford to take time off for rest and mental recovery.

De Minaur stated that success dictates rest on the professional circuit. Because Sinner wins tournaments consistently, he manages to skip events and refresh his schedule. Conversely, players who exit tournaments early often return to the court immediately to work through losses and regain momentum. De Minaur described this as a cycle where winning provides the freedom to manage a schedule while early exits demand a higher volume of participation.

Reflecting on his own performance, De Minaur noted that he does not feel he has earned the right to step away when his results remain inconsistent. He views his current participation in multiple tournaments as a necessary step to overcome recent setbacks. By defeating Tsitsipas, he hopes to change that narrative and eventually reach a level of success that allows for a more selective tournament calendar.

Looking ahead, De Minaur faces countryman Cruz Hewitt in the next round. Hewitt earned his first career ATP Tour match win earlier in the week. This upcoming matchup provides another chance for De Minaur to build on his momentum as he attempts to turn his season around in Washington.