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Alex de Minaur showcases unique forehand effectiveness at Australian Open

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 11:30 AM

Last updated Sep 25, 2026

Alex de Minaur showcases unique forehand effectiveness at Australian Open

Summary

Alex de Minaur displayed an unconventional forehand style during his match against Frances Tiafoe at the Australian Open on January 23, 2026. Despite having the slowest average rally forehand among the ATP Top 10 at 74 mph, his shots consistently landed deeper than his peers. De Minaur's positioning on the court, averaging 0.70 meters behind the baseline when striking, allows him to manipulate time and create pressure on opponents, countering his lower velocity and spin compared to other top players. This technique could reshape discussions around forehand effectiveness as the tournament progresses.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•De Minaur hits forehands averaging 74 mph with depth of 3.54 meters from baseline.
•He contacts shots from 0.70 meters behind the baseline, the closest among top players.
•De Minaur generates the least topspin at 2,210 rpm compared to his peers.
•Match against Tiafoe was part of the Australian Open's third round.

Latest Updates

11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Alex de Minaur Has the Slowest Forehand in the Top 10, Yet Somehow the Deepest

What they're saying

"
Power is supposed to buy depth. That is one of the easiest assumptions to make when watching professional tennis. The harder somebody hits, the more penetrating the ball should be. Add enough topspin to keep it inside the court, and the basic formula appears fairly simple. Then Alex de Minaur turns up and ruins it. …
— Yahoo Sports

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ATP Tennis