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Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Australian Open semifinals for the first time in his career after a commanding 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur on Tuesday in Melbourne. The Spanish star kept his hopes alive of completing a career Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, demonstrating the efficiency and power that have made him one of tennis’s brightest talents.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz dominated the match at Rod Laver Arena, ending the hopes of sixth-seeded de Minaur, who was aiming to become the first Australian man in five decades to lift the singles trophy. According to reports from the tournament, the six-time Grand Slam champion will now face third-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
Alcaraz Overcomes Early Challenge in Australian Open Quarterfinal
The match began with Alcaraz breaking de Minaur’s serve early to establish a 3-0 lead. However, the Spanish player faced his first serious test in the fifth game when he confronted three break points on his serve. De Minaur capitalized on the opportunity, breaking back to level the match and energizing the home crowd.
The Australian continued his momentum by breaking Alcaraz’s serve again in the ninth game, holding his own serve in the following game to delight fans at the main stadium. Despite the spirited comeback, some unforced errors allowed Alcaraz to regain control and close out the thrilling opening set.
Dominant Performance Seals Victory
Alcaraz began the second set with the same aggressive approach that opened the first. This time, the top seed was in no mood to relinquish his advantage. He unleashed powerful and decisive backhand winners across the court to surge ahead 5-2, tightening his grip on the Australian Open quarterfinal match.
The improved serve that Alcaraz has been developing proved crucial throughout the contest. Meanwhile, de Minaur struggled to find answers to the Spaniard’s varied attack and court coverage. The home favorite lost his serve early in the third set, and Alcaraz never looked back, closing out the victory in straight sets.
Career Grand Slam Within Reach
The victory represents a significant milestone for Alcaraz in his quest to join tennis’s most exclusive club. Having already won the US Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open, the Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam title missing from his collection. Additionally, his performance in Melbourne has demonstrated the maturity and consistency required to succeed on hard courts Down Under.
De Minaur’s defeat extends Australia’s long wait for a men’s singles champion at their home Grand Slam tournament. No Australian man has won the title since 1976, and the sixth seed’s strong run raised hopes before meeting Alcaraz’s superior firepower. In contrast, Alcaraz’s path to glory appears increasingly clear as he continues to showcase his championship credentials.
The semifinal clash between Alcaraz and Zverev promises to be one of the tournament’s premier matchups. Both players have been in excellent form throughout the fortnight, and their contrasting styles should provide compelling viewing for tennis fans worldwide.
The semifinal match is expected to take place later this week, though tournament organizers have not yet confirmed the exact scheduling. Alcaraz will need to overcome Zverev to reach his first Australian Open final and move one step closer to completing the career Grand Slam.
