Alex de Minaur Outlasts Fils in Rotterdam Opener to Keep Title Defence Alive

Top-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur survived a challenging opening match at the 2026 ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, defeating French rising star Arthur Fils 7-6(3), 6-2 on Wednesday evening. The victory keeps de Minaur's title defense hopes alive in the Netherlands, where he enters as the tournament favorite following the withdrawals of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.

The first set proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both players holding serve comfortably through the opening games. Fils, known for his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive baseline play, matched de Minaur shot for shot until the crucial tiebreak. The Australian's superior experience in pressure situations showed through as he claimed the breaker 7-3, securing the opening set after nearly an hour of play.

De Minaur raised his level significantly in the second set, breaking Fils early and never looking back. The world number eight's trademark speed and defensive skills frustrated the young Frenchman, who struggled to find winners against the Australian's court coverage. De Minaur broke again to seal the match 6-2 in the second set, completing the victory in just over 90 minutes.

Speaking after the match, de Minaur acknowledged the challenge posed by his opponent. "Arthur is an incredible talent and he pushed me hard in that first set," the Australian said. "I had to stay focused and trust my game. The tiebreak was crucial, and I'm pleased with how I handled those big points."

The victory sets up a second-round encounter for de Minaur against either compatriot Aleksandar Vukic or former champion Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss veteran won the Rotterdam title back in 2015 and would present a formidable challenge if he advances past Vukic.

With Alcaraz and Zverev absent from the draw, de Minaur enters as the clear favorite to claim his second career Rotterdam title. The tournament, which runs from February 9-15 at Rotterdam Ahoy, features a strong field despite the high-profile withdrawals, with players competing for 500 ATP ranking points and a share of the tournament's prize money.