Rotterdam, 15 February 2026 – The ABN AMRO Open semi-final between Alex de Minaur and Jannik Sinner never happened. At 19:50 local time, just ten minutes before the scheduled 20:00 start on Centre Court in Rotterdam Ahoy, the Australian world No. 6 collapsed backstage. Witnesses described how de Minaur – who had looked relaxed and focused during his pre-match warm-up and interview – suddenly dropped to his knees after answering an urgent phone call. He covered his face with both hands, visibly shaking, and was heard saying in a broken, barely audible voice: “I can’t believe it… this will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

Tournament referee Mohamed Lahyani, ATP supervisor Roland Garros (no relation), and medical staff rushed to the scene within seconds. De Minaur was quickly escorted to a private treatment room, where he remained for nearly 30 minutes. At 20:18 the tournament director announced over the stadium PA system that the semi-final had been cancelled and that Jannik Sinner would advance to the final by walkover. No official explanation was provided at that time. The 12,000-strong crowd in Ahoy reacted first with stunned silence, then with growing concern. Many began chanting “Demon! Demon!” – de Minaur’s affectionate nickname – while others filmed the empty court, whispering in confusion and worry.

Within the hour, the first leaks appeared on social media. An audio fragment – allegedly recorded accidentally by a member of de Minaur’s inner circle and sent to a journalist via WhatsApp – spread like wildfire. In the 14-second clip, de Minaur can be heard sobbing: “My sister… she’s gone… they said she didn’t make it… how am I supposed to play now?” Multiple sources close to the situation have confirmed that the call came from a family member in Australia. De Minaur’s younger sister, Taia de Minaur, 23 years old, had been involved in a tragic road accident on the Pacific Highway near Newcastle earlier that morning (Australian Eastern Daylight Time). Taia was driving home from a university lecture when her car was struck head-on by a truck that crossed the median. She was pronounced dead at the scene. She was just 23 years old.

The family issued a brief, heartbreaking statement late that evening via de Minaur’s official social media channels, now being managed temporarily by his representatives:

“With unimaginable sorrow we confirm the passing of our beloved Taia in a road traffic accident this morning. Taia was the brightest light in our family – a kind, funny, fiercely intelligent young woman with a smile that could light up any room. She was Alex’s little sister, his biggest supporter, and a cherished daughter and friend. We ask for privacy as we try to process this unthinkable loss. Thank you to everyone who has sent love and support.”

The tennis world stopped. The ATP immediately postponed the final (originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon) by 24 hours out of respect. Players, coaches, officials and staff gathered in stunned silence in the player lounge. Novak Djokovic, who had already exited the tournament earlier in the week, flew back to Rotterdam from Monte Carlo and was seen embracing members of de Minaur’s team. Jannik Sinner, who would have faced de Minaur in the semi-final, released a short but powerful statement outside his hotel: “I have no words. Alex is more than a rival. He is family to so many of us. Taia was family. Nothing else matters right now.”

Social media overflowed with grief. The hashtag #TaiaDeMinaur trended number one globally for over 18 hours. Players posted black squares, childhood photos of Alex and Taia together, clips of Taia cheering from Alex’s box at tournaments, and messages of love. Emma Raducanu wrote: “Taia was always smiling, always kind, always there for Alex. Sending every bit of love to him, to Sylvia, to the whole family.” Rafael Nadal posted a single broken-heart emoji. The Australian Open account reposted a 2024 photo of Taia hugging Alex after his United Cup win with the caption: “Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, Taia.”

De Minaur himself has not spoken publicly since the incident. Sources close to him say he was immediately taken from the arena to a private location in Rotterdam under police escort. He has asked for no visitors and no media contact for the foreseeable future. Friends describe him as “completely shattered,” unable to sleep or eat. His mother Sylvia and older sister have been with him constantly. Taia had been studying psychology at the University of Newcastle and was planning to visit Alex in Europe later in the year. She was known in tennis circles as Alex’s biggest cheerleader – often seen courtside wearing his merch and posting proud updates on social media.

The ABN AMRO Open continued on Sunday with Sinner defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the rescheduled semi-final and then winning the title. But the mood in Ahoy was heavy. Before the final, a minute’s silence was observed. The chair umpire read a brief tribute: “We play today in memory of Taia de Minaur – a beautiful soul, a loving sister, and a light in the life of her brother Alex. Forever missed.” Sinner won the title later that evening but refused to lift the trophy high, instead placing it gently on the net and bowing his head in silence.

The tennis community has rallied around Alex de Minaur in an unprecedented way. The ATP announced that all players would wear black ribbons during Indian Wells and Miami, and that a foundation in Taia’s name would be established to support mental health awareness and road safety education – causes she had quietly cared about. A GoFundMe set up by the de Minaur family for road safety charities has already raised over €3.8 million in 48 hours.

Alex de Minaur, who turned 27 just weeks ago, had been enjoying one of the strongest periods of his career. He reached the semi-finals of the 2026 Australian Open, won the United Cup with Australia, and was ranked No. 6 in the world. Taia had been his biggest supporter – always present at big matches, always posting proud messages, always reminding him to “keep smiling no matter what.”

Now the sport mourns not just a young life cut tragically short, but the unbearable pain of a brother who has lost his little sister. And it mourns for Alex de Minaur, whose final words before the semi-final will haunt the tennis world for years to come:

“I can’t believe it… this will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

The Rotterdam Open final was played. A trophy was lifted. But for thousands of players, coaches, fans and families who loved Taia de Minaur, and who love Alex de Minaur, the real match has only just begun – the long, painful one against grief.