Alex de Minaur has become the latest high-profile tennis star to pull out of this week’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) in Hong Kong, due to injury. In a somewhat concerning develop ahead of next month’s season-ending ATP Finals, the Aussie revealed that he was experiencing ‘too much pain’ in his hip after arriving in Hong Kong off the back of his quarter-final defeat at the Shanghai Masters.
De Minaur went down to former grand slam winner Daniil Medvedev in the last-eight in Shanghai, where the oppressive conditions proved taxing for a number of players. Regardless, the World No.7 flew to Hong Kong with every intention to compete, but announced on Instagram that he ‘had no choice’ but to withdraw after feeling the effects of his troublesome hip.
Alex De Minaur has withdrawn from the UTS event in Hong Kong with a hip injury days after going down to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters. Pic: Getty
“I’m extremely disappointed at having to withdraw from UTS here in Hong Kong,” de Minaur told fans on social media. “It’s an event that I was looking forward to playing in front of some amazing fans. I’ve always wanted to come here to Hong Kong, so I tried everything I could to play this tournament.”
The Aussie revealed that he felt pain in his hip even before he stepped out onto the practice court. And after discussions with his team, they decided that extra recovery time was the best course of action for de Minaur, with some big events still to come this season.
“I was very much looking forward to participating in the first UTS event held in Hong Kong,” he added. “However, it now seems I haven’t physically recovered quickly enough as I was feeling the pain even before working on the practice court. After discussing with my team, I have had no choice but to withdraw and to meet my doctors for a proper assessment.”
De Minaur will be desperate to return ahead of upcoming ATP 500 events in Vienna and Basel, as he looks to consolidate his No.7 world ranking heading into next month’s ATP Finals in Turin. Only the world’s top-eight male and female players – as well as doubles teams – qualify for the showpiece event. And despite his loss to Medvdev in Shanghai, the Aussie remains on course to do so, provided he doesn’t drop down the rankings before then.
Alex de Minaur is feeling the effects of a long and gruelling season on the ATP Tour in 2025. Pic: Getty
De Minaur says he’s looking forward to returning to Hong Kong in the near future and has been impressed by the facilities as the city prepares to host its first UTS event. The 26-year-old is confident the eight-player field will put on an exciting tournament for the fans across the two days of competition.
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Alex de Minaur’s Hong Kong withdrawal is a blow for fans
De Minaur has been replaced in Hong Kong by American Jenson Brooksby, who is currently ranked 57th on the ATP Tour. But considering the Aussie won the UTS final last year, it’s a sad blow for fans hoping to see the defending champion in action, with tournament founder Patrick Mouratoglou among those to express his disappointment.
Alex De Minaur’s withdrawal from the UTS event in Hong Kong follows his quarter-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev at the Shanghai Masters. Pic: Getty
“Whilst it’s unfortunate that Alex has been forced to withdraw from the event, we understand that injuries are an inevitable part of this physically and mentally demanding sport, particularly towards the end of a long season,” he said. “We are delighted to welcome an excellent player like Jenson Brooksby to the field at such short notice. Together with the other seven top players, each with their unique styles and personalities, the matches over the next two days promise to be thrilling and exciting showdowns.”
Fellow Aussie Nick Kyrgios was among several others top players who were forced to pull out of the tournament, alongside Jakub Mensik and Tomas Machac. Replacing the trio will be Juncheng Shang, Adrian Mannarino and French veteran Richard Gasquet, who is set to be coached by Kyrgios at the tournament.