World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz made history at the Australian Open 2026, advancing to his maiden semifinals with a clinical 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Alex de Minaur in the quarters at Rod Laver Arena. The 2-hour-15-minute affair saw the Spaniard in total command, dropping zero sets.
Alcaraz rendered de Minaur’s aggression toothless, playing with poise and power. After a thoughtful break, he elevated his game, now leading their rivalry 6-0 since 2022. His Melbourne record climbs to 16-4, joining eight Spaniards in reaching this quarterfinal milestone.
“Playing at this standard from the opener feels great,” Alcaraz noted post-match. “My team’s patience advice paid off—I was at ease. De Minaur’s pressure game is elite, but I handled it.”
Semifinal awaits against Alexander Zverev, a 2024 quarterfinal redux. Six-time major champ (2024-25 French, 2023-24 Wimbledon, 2022-25 US Open), Alcaraz stands two matches from his first AO and career Grand Slam.
His blend of baseline firepower, mental resilience, and agility marks him as the man to beat. Melbourne faithful are gripped by the prospect of witnessing Alcaraz’s breakthrough Down Under, potentially etching an unforgettable chapter in tennis lore.