The BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells 2026 round 3 match between Alex de Minaur (seed No. 6, world No. 6) and Cameron Norrie (seed 27) ended with a convincing 6-4, 6-4 victory in favor of Norrie after just 1 hour and 39 minutes. This is a big shock to experts, because de Minaur is rated much higher in form (11-3 in 2026, Rotterdam champion, Australian Open quarterfinals) and was ahead of Norrie in the recent H2H.

However, on Stadium 3 on March 9, 2026, de Minaur looked completely lacking in his usual flexibility: moving slower, not chasing many drop shot balls, and making unforced errors at important points.

After the match, when de Minaur left the field with his head bowed and without saying anything, Gutierrez asked to speak up immediately. In an emotional moment, he revealed that de Minaur had suffered a mild hip flexor strain from his tense 3-set match with Sebastian Korda in round 2 the previous day.

This injury was not serious enough to withdraw, but left him unable to move to the maximum, recovering slowly between points, and losing the speed advantage – the main weapon that made “Demon” famous.

“Alex doesn’t want anyone to know before the match, because he’s afraid his opponent will exploit his weakness,” Gutierrez said, his eyes red. “He had a painkiller injection and a tight bandage on his hip to play. He fought like a warrior, but his body couldn’t keep up with his will. I’ve never seen him in so much pain and still trying to finish the match. Please don’t criticize him, don’t say he ‘lacks fire’ or ‘failed’. Please give Alex respect and affection right now.”

Gutierrez’s words spread like fire on social networks in just a few minutes. The hashtags #GetWellDemon and #AlexFighter quickly trended globally, especially in Australia, Spain and the tennis community. Australian fans – who always called de Minaur “Demon” with pride – turned from disappointment to worry and support: “He tried his best, rest Alex”, “No one knows how much pain he is in and still plays.

Respect forever.” Many fans even sent prayer messages and pictures of encouragement on de Minaur’s Instagram.

The international tennis community also expressed sympathy. Novak Djokovic posted a story: “Injuries are the toughest part of this sport. Wishing Alex good health.” Carlos Alcaraz tweeted: “Big respect to you, Alex. You’re a warrior. Heal up soon.” Cameron Norrie – the winner of the match – also spoke up immediately afterward: “I know Alex is not in his best form, but he still fought until the last second. Wishing him a quick recovery. Thank you for the great match.”

For de Minaur, this is a major setback in the promising 2026 season. He was expected to go deep at Indian Wells (where he had never gone beyond the fourth round) and build momentum for the Miami Open as well as the clay season. Now, his team – with Gutierrez at the helm since childhood – will likely prioritize rest and treatment instead of playing immediately. Gutierrez ended the press conference with a message: “He needs time.

But I believe Alex will come back stronger. Thank you all for being with him.”

This emotional moment completely changed the public’s perspective on the loss. From a “disappointing upset” of the No. 6 seed, it became a story of will, sacrifice and love for the sport. Alex de Minaur may have lost the match, but he won the hearts of many.

Get well soon, Demon. The tennis world is with you.