Two Wins Away From Tennis History! Carlos Alcaraz Surges Into Maiden Australian Open Semifinal

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 18:11 IST

Carlos Alcaraz dominates Alex de Minaur to reach his first Australian Open semi-final, setting up a clash with Alexander Zverev and chasing Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam record.

News18

Carlos Alcaraz is merely two wins from achieving tennis immortality.

The world No.1 stormed into his first-ever Australian Open semi-final, silencing Rod Laver Arena with a ruthless 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 dismissal of home favourite Alex de Minaur on Tuesday.

At just 22, Alcaraz is yet to drop a set in Melbourne and is finally ticking off the one Grand Slam that has eluded him. One more victory — against Alexander Zverev — puts him within touching distance of history.

“I’m really happy with how I’m playing," Alcaraz said. “My level is rising every match. Today I felt very comfortable."

It showed.

After a jittery opening set that briefly gave the crowd hope, Alcaraz slammed the door shut. He raced to a 3-0 lead, steadied himself after a brief wobble, then turned the screw mercilessly. Once he clinched the first set, the contest was effectively over.

De Minaur, contesting yet another Grand Slam quarter-final without reward, simply had no answers. Alcaraz ripped through the second set in 44 minutes before going full throttle in the third, breaking early and cruising home with a fifth ace.

The win sets up a blockbuster semi-final against Zverev, who earlier blasted 24 aces to overpower American youngster Learner Tien in four sets.

If Alcaraz beats Zverev and lifts the trophy on Sunday, he will become the youngest man ever to win all four Grand Slams, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record.

“I know Zverev is playing great, aggressive tennis," Alcaraz said. “We have to be tactically perfect. It’s going to be a great battle."

The Spaniard has never looked more ready.

Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic faces Lorenzo Musetti in Wednesday’s quarter-final, with a semi-final showdown against either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton on the line.

(with AFP inputs)

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