The Demon's Domestic Deal: A 49% Investment
Alex de Minaur isn't just winning matches at the Australian Open; he's winning hearts with his candid charm and proving he's a force to be reckoned with. The Aussie star, nicknamed "the Demon," has embraced a hilarious off-court joke about his upcoming marriage to Katie Boulter, even as he charges deep into the tournament.
Key Takeaways:
- De Minaur playfully accepted Jim Courier's "49% shareholder" marriage quip.
- Katie Boulter joined the fun, claiming "51%" on social media.
- The Demon delivered a dominant fourth-round victory over Alexander Bublik.
- He now faces the formidable challenge of Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
Following a third-round win, tennis legend Jim Courier playfully probed De Minaur about wedding planning with fiancée Katie Boulter. When De Minaur asserted it was a "50/50 relationship," Courier's swift retort – that he'd soon be a "49% shareholder" – became an instant classic.
Far from dismissing the jest, De Minaur leaned into it. After his commanding fourth-round victory, he signed the broadcast camera lens with a simple, self-aware message: "49%." His partner, Katie Boulter, had already co-signed Courier's wisdom, proudly declaring herself the "51% shareholder" on social media. It's a charming glimpse into the personality behind the powerful tennis game.
Bublik Bounced: Revenge Served Cold
Beyond the humorous banter, De Minaur delivered a statement performance on court. Inside Rod Laver Arena, the Australian No. 1 dismantled fellow Top 10 player Alexander Bublik with a dominant 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 scoreline.
This wasn't just another win; it was sweet revenge. De Minaur had suffered defeats to Bublik in their two most recent encounters, including a painful loss at 2025 Roland Garros where he squandered a two-set lead. This time, The Demon left no room for doubt, winning 14 of the final 16 games.
His serve was unassailable, not facing a single break point throughout the match. Furthermore, De Minaur's aggressive returning saw him win an impressive 51% of his return points, dismantling Bublik's rhythm and preventing any opportunity for a comeback.
The Alcaraz Apex: Quarterfinal Quest
De Minaur is now through to his seventh career major quarterfinal. The next hurdle is his biggest yet: a showdown against top seed Carlos Alcaraz. Their head-to-head record stands at a daunting 0-5 in favor of Alcaraz, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge.
Despite the tough draw, De Minaur is brimming with confidence and freshness. "It's going to be a physical battle," he acknowledged, recognizing Alcaraz's ability to extend rallies. "I'm going to go after the match. I'm excited for the battle."
Breaking his quarterfinal curse against a player of Alcaraz's caliber would be a monumental achievement. De Minaur's determination is clear: "Ultimately it's something that I have never done, but, you know, there is always a first time for everything. I'm hoping that will be on Tuesday."
