Alex de Minaur Cruises into US Open Quarterfinals with Dominant Win Over Leandro Riedi
In a commanding display on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Australia’s Alex de Minaur powered past Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi to secure his spot in the 2025 US Open quarterfinals. The eighth seed dismantled his opponent 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in just 93 minutes, showcasing the speed and precision that have made him a hard-court sensation this year.
Match Highlights: De Minaur’s Relentless Pressure Pays Off
De Minaur, ranked No. 8 in the world, faced an early test as both players traded breaks in the opening set. Riedi, the world No. 435 and a surprise package after qualifying, held his own initially with aggressive baseline play. But de Minaur’s superior returning game turned the tide, as he broke Riedi three times in a row to claim the first set 6-3 in 32 minutes.
The second set saw de Minaur rally from 0-40 down to break serve, then reel off five straight games for a 6-2 victory. Riedi’s unforced errors mounted—15 in that set alone—highlighting the pressure of facing a top seed. In the third set, a leg issue hampered the Swiss player, leading to three more breaks and a decisive 6-1 finish. De Minaur converted eight of 14 break points overall, while Riedi double-faulted nine times.
This marks de Minaur’s third US Open quarterfinal and sixth major quarterfinal appearance, but he remains winless in the last eight at Grand Slams. He leads the ATP Tour with 28 hard-court wins in 2025, including a title in Washington.
Background: De Minaur’s Path and Riedi’s Cinderella Run
De Minaur entered the tournament as Australia’s top hope after a strong season, including straight-sets wins over Christopher O’Connell and Shintaro Mochizuki, followed by a third-round retirement from Daniel Altmaier. At 26, the Sydney native—nicknamed “Demon” for his fiery energy—has reached quarterfinals at all four majors but seeks his first semifinal breakthrough.
Riedi, 23, was a true underdog. After two knee surgeries in the past year that dropped his ranking to 435, he stunned higher seeds like Juan Manuel Cerundolo in a five-set comeback and advanced when Kamil Majchrzak retired injured. His qualifier-to-round-of-16 journey boosted him 271 spots to No. 164 in live rankings, but the physical toll showed against de Minaur’s pace.
The pair had no prior head-to-head meetings, making this a debut clash where de Minaur’s experience prevailed.
Expert Analysis and Fan Reactions
Tennis analysts praised de Minaur’s composure. “He’s putting himself in the right places—now it’s about swinging for the fences,” said one expert, noting his 55% first-serve rate didn’t matter against Riedi’s errors. ATP Tour commentators highlighted de Minaur’s counterpunching: “When he’s confident, he’s very tough to beat,” echoing his own assessment of upcoming challenges.
Post-match, de Minaur told the crowd: “I’m super proud of what I’m doing. This is where I want to be—playing for big titles.” Riedi, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the “hell of a week” but credited de Minaur’s focus.
Fans erupted on social media. “Demon mode activated! 🇦🇺 Quarterfinals baby!” one X user posted, while another lauded Riedi: “Incredible run from the qualifier—proud of you, Leandro!” U.S. Open coverage drew buzz, with viewers thrilled by the quick opener on Labor Day.
Why This Matters to U.S. Fans: A Thrilling Quarterfinal Awaits
For American tennis enthusiasts, de Minaur’s run adds excitement to the home Slam, especially as the last Australian man standing. His matchup against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime—who upset Russia’s Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-3, 6-4—promises fireworks. Auger-Aliassime, the 25th seed and 2016 US Open junior champ, returns to the quarters for the first time since 2021 semis, hitting 42 winners in his win.
This quarterfinal on Wednesday could influence U.S. viewing habits, boosting ESPN ratings amid a packed Labor Day schedule. De Minaur’s hard-court mastery aligns with American fans’ love for fast-paced play, reminiscent of past Aussie greats like Lleyton Hewitt, the last Down Under winner here in 2001. Economically, his popularity drives merchandise and ticket sales at Flushing Meadows, while inspiring young U.S. players in academies nationwide.
Politically neutral but culturally vibrant, the match underscores global tennis ties, with de Minaur’s Sydney roots contrasting Auger-Aliassime’s Montreal flair—perfect for diverse U.S. audiences.
Looking Ahead: De Minaur Eyes Semifinal Breakthrough
Alex de Minaur’s straight-sets demolition of Leandro Riedi propels him into a pivotal quarterfinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime, where both players vow to “have a swing.” With no Australian man winning the US Open since 2001, de Minaur carries national hopes while chasing personal history.
As the tournament heats up, expect de Minaur to maintain his tunnel vision. A win could mark his deepest major run yet, cementing his status as a top contender. U.S. Open fans, gear up—this Demon is far from done.