Alex de Minaur has opened up about a touching moment from his Washington triumph that captured hearts worldwide. The world No. 8, who got engaged a few months ago, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Sunday, overturning three championship points to secure a thrilling 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3) victory and claim his 10th career title.

However, it proved to be a devastating defeat for Davidovich Fokina, who remains without a tour-level trophy and had previously squandered match points in another final.

Following his triumph, De Minaur – who confronted a fan during the Italian Open back in May – made his way over to his opponent and sat beside him on the bench, offering comfort to the tearful Davidovich Fokina. The Australian tennis ace then delivered a gracious victory speech, assuring the Spaniard that his breakthrough moment would come soon.

Now the Aussie has reflected on his compassionate gesture. There’s no time to rest, as De Minaur jumps straight back into action at the Masters 1000 event in Toronto, where he previously reached the final.

Speaking ahead of his campaign, the world No. 8 revealed his motivation for comforting Davidovich Fokina in Washington. “Before tennis players, we’re human beings, right?” the 26-year-old told Tennis TV.

“And I knew nothing I said in that moment would help at all, but I just wanted to let him know how good of a player and how he’s on the up, nonstop, he’s improving, he’s playing some incredible tennis, and he’s way too good of a player not to have a title.”

Just three days after completing his stunning comeback against Davidovich Fokina to claim the Washington crown, De Minaur will begin his Toronto campaign against Francisco Comesana. Reflecting on his journey to his 10th career title, he expressed: “It was a pretty good week, a perfect week. They don’t come often, so extremely proud of the efforts, of the mindset throughout the whole tournament.

“I thought I played some great tennis and managed to sneak away with a title in Washington, so body and mind are a little tired, but we’re ready to go again.”

Despite Davidovich Fokina’s disappointment over his loss in the championship match, there was no animosity between him and De Minaur.

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Following their heartfelt exchange on the bench, the Aussie praised his opponent during his victory speech. “You’re way too good to not have one of these. It’s coming for sure,” De Minaur assured the world No. 19.

“You deserved it today. I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor, a hell of a player. No one on the tour wants to play you. This is not the end, this is only going up for you.”

The two then jetted off to Toronto together. While De Minaur faces Comesana, Davidovich Fokina will begin his pursuit of a first-ever title against Corentin Moutet, who made it to the Washington semi-finals as a lucky loser before being defeated by De Minaur.