Alex de Minaur continued his impressive 2025 season by securing a milestone 50th tour-level victory with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Portugal’s Nuno Borges to reach the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters. The Australian No. 1 became only the third man this year to hit the 50-win mark, joining Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz, further cementing his status among the elite players of the ATP Tour.
De Minaur showcased his trademark consistency and tenacity throughout the match, earning the crucial break late in the first set before dominating the second. Over one hour and 48 minutes, he struck 19 winners while committing just 10 unforced errors, controlling the pace and rhythm from the baseline. The victory marks another highlight in what has been the best season of his career, improving his 2025 record to 50 wins and 18 losses, surpassing last year’s personal best.
The 25-year-old Australian now sets his sights on Daniil Medvedev in the last eight. The Russian world No. 4 edged past Learner Tien in a physically demanding three-set battle, and with both players struggling in the humid Shanghai conditions, their upcoming clash promises a fascinating contest of endurance and mental strength. De Minaur trails Medvedev 7-4 in their head-to-head meetings but claimed victory in their most recent encounter in Monte Carlo earlier this year.
With key rivals Jannik Sinner out through retirement and Carlos Alcaraz absent from the tournament, the draw has opened up for De Minaur to chase what could be his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown. He already lifted a title in Washington this season and aims to finish 2025 with another triumph to match his two-trophy haul from last year.
De Minaur also strengthened his bid for a spot at the ATP Finals in Turin, sitting in seventh place in the race standings. His closest challengers, Lorenzo Musetti and Felix Auger-Aliassime, are still within reach, but the Australian’s current form gives him a strong chance of sealing his place among the world’s top eight by season’s end.
