Carlos Alcaraz etched his name into Australian Open history by reaching the 2026 semifinals for the first time, overwhelming Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 in a quarterfinal masterclass on Rod Laver Arena. The world No. 1’s composure shone through in the 135-minute rout, maintaining total dominance across all sets.
The Spaniard dismantled de Minaur’s attacking game with superior court coverage and pinpoint accuracy. A mid-match mental pause fueled his surge, pushing his head-to-head lead to 6-0 and Melbourne tally to 16-4. Their battles date back to 2022, but Alcaraz has reigned supreme.
Reflecting on the win, Alcaraz shared: “I’m thrilled with my level since round one. Staying patient as my team suggested helped—I was super comfortable. De Minaur always applies heat, making it a real test.”
Becoming the eighth Spaniard in AO quarters, Alcaraz gears up for Germany’s Alexander Zverev, revisiting their 2024 thriller. With six Slams under his belt—French Open twice, Wimbledon twice, US Open twice—he covets Melbourne’s elusive trophy for a career sweep, mere victories away.
Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism, tactical nous, and unbreakable mindset have captivated Melbourne. As he hunts his maiden AO title, the buzz is palpable: can he complete the Grand Slam set and cement his legacy?