BREAKING NEWS: “We are being BULLIED on our own soil.” Adolfo Gutiérrez, head coach of Alex de Minaur, did not hide his anger as he publicly criticized the scheduling of Alex’s match against Matteo Berrettini, calling it opaque and full of signs of interference. He refused to accept being deliberately placed at a disadvantage, and his actions immediately ignited fierce controversy, with widespread calls for a full review of the entire process. Meanwhile, Alex put his racket down, and what he said next left everyone in shock, plunging the tournament organizers into complete chaos.

The explosive comments erupted shortly after the Australian Open 2026 draw was revealed in Melbourne. Alex de Minaur, the No. 6 seed and Australia’s top hope, was drawn against Italian veteran Matteo Berrettini in the first round. Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist now ranked around No. 56, poses a significant threat with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play.

Adolfo Gutiérrez, who has coached De Minaur since the Australian was just nine years old, wasted no time in voicing his outrage. Speaking to reporters outside the tournament venue, he declared, “We are being bullied on our own soil.” His words highlighted deep frustration with what he perceived as unfair treatment toward local players.

Gutiérrez accused tournament schedulers of opacity in assigning match times and courts. He suggested that the placement appeared designed to disadvantage De Minaur, possibly favoring higher-profile international stars or specific broadcast demands. Such claims struck a nerve in a nation proud of its home Grand Slam.

The coach emphasized that the scheduling lacked transparency, raising questions about potential external interference. He pointed to patterns in previous years where Australian players faced early tough draws or unfavorable conditions. Gutiérrez refused to accept what he called deliberate sabotage against his protégé.

His passionate outburst quickly spread across social media platforms. Fans rallied behind the comments, sharing hashtags like #ProtectTheDemon and #FairAO2026. Many expressed long-standing grievances about perceived biases in Grand Slam scheduling against home favorites.

Calls for a full independent review grew louder within hours. Tennis Australia officials faced immediate pressure to address the allegations. Some former players and analysts joined the chorus, demanding greater openness in how draws and schedules are finalized.

Meanwhile, on the practice courts, Alex de Minaur remained composed amid the storm. The 27-year-old has built a reputation for resilience, speed, and tactical intelligence under Gutiérrez’s guidance. His journey from a junior prodigy in Alicante, Spain, to world top-10 status owes much to the Spanish coach’s dedication.

As the controversy swirled, De Minaur stepped away from a training session and addressed the media directly. Putting his racket down deliberately, he delivered a measured yet powerful statement that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. His words amplified the coach’s concerns while adding a layer of personal disappointment.

De Minaur spoke about the emotional toll of competing at home under added scrutiny. He highlighted the pride Australians feel in hosting the season’s first major, yet lamented inconsistencies that undermine local talent. His calm delivery contrasted sharply with Gutiérrez’s fiery tone, making the message even more impactful.

The young star urged tournament organizers to prioritize fairness above all else. He stressed that players deserve equal opportunities, regardless of nationality or ranking. De Minaur’s intervention turned the incident from a coach’s rant into a broader indictment of the system’s integrity.

Tournament organizers found themselves in complete chaos following the back-to-back statements. Australian Open officials issued a brief response, defending the draw’s randomness and scheduling protocols. They insisted that all decisions follow strict guidelines set by Tennis Australia and the ATP.

Behind the scenes, emergency meetings reportedly took place to assess the damage. Sponsors and broadcasters monitored the situation closely, wary of negative publicity overshadowing the event’s start. The timing could not have been worse, with qualifying rounds already underway.

Media outlets worldwide picked up the story rapidly. Headlines screamed of “bullying” and “interference” at the Happy Slam. Commentators debated whether Gutiérrez’s accusations held merit or stemmed from frustration over a challenging draw.

Berrettini, the opponent in question, remained diplomatic in his pre-tournament interviews. The Italian expressed respect for De Minaur and excitement about facing a top seed early. He avoided commenting on the scheduling controversy, focusing instead on preparation.

De Minaur’s history with Berrettini added intrigue to the matchup. The two have met several times, with competitive encounters showcasing contrasting styles: De Minaur’s defense versus Berrettini’s power. A first-round clash heightened the stakes significantly.

Gutiérrez’s long tenure with De Minaur lent weight to his criticisms. Having shaped the player’s game from childhood, the coach knows his charge intimately. His emotional investment made the outburst feel authentic rather than calculated.

The incident reignited discussions about home advantage in Grand Slams. Players from host nations often face expectations that can become burdens. De Minaur, as Australia’s standard-bearer, carries immense pressure every January in Melbourne.

Fans flooded online forums with support for both coach and player. Many shared stories of past perceived injustices, from court assignments to recovery time between matches. The debate extended beyond this specific draw.

Tennis authorities may now face renewed scrutiny over transparency measures. Calls for independent oversight in scheduling processes gained traction among player associations. The controversy could prompt procedural reviews ahead of future tournaments.

De Minaur, ever the professional, shifted focus back to tennis. He emphasized preparation and mental strength in facing Berrettini. Despite the noise, he aimed to perform at his best on Rod Laver Arena or one of Melbourne Park’s show courts.

The episode underscored the intense emotions surrounding home Grand Slams. Gutiérrez’s words and De Minaur’s response highlighted tensions between players, coaches, and organizers. It served as a reminder that fairness remains paramount in elite competition.

As the Australian Open 2026 unfolded, this breaking story dominated conversations. Whether it leads to concrete changes or fades amid on-court drama remains uncertain. For now, the spotlight stays firmly on Alex de Minaur and his quest for Grand Slam glory.

In the end, the incident revealed deeper issues within professional tennis. Gutiérrez’s refusal to stay silent and De Minaur’s poised reaction demonstrated leadership. Together, they challenged the status quo, demanding better for future generations of players.