MELBOURNE, Australia – Carlos Alcaraz, current world number one, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by advancing to the semi-finals of the Australian Open. The Spanish tennis player defeated Australian Alex De Miñaur with scores of 7-5, 6-2, and 6-1, demonstrating his dominance on the court.
This triumph marks the first time Alcaraz has reached the semifinals in this prestigious tournament, overcoming a barrier that had prevented him from advancing in previous editions. Alcaraz, 22 years old, arrived in Melbourne with the determination to establish himself as one of the main contenders for the title.
With this victory, the tennis player from El Palmar secures his position as number one in the world. Alcaraz was defending points from the quarterfinals and is now in the semifinals, while Jannik Sinner has no room to improve his ranking points, guaranteeing the Spaniard’s position.
Semifinal Duel against Zverev
In the run-up to the final, Alcaraz will face the German Alexander Zverev, who reached the semifinals after defeating the American Learner Tien. Zverev won with partial scores of 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 and 7-6(3).
The match against De Miñaur represents Alcaraz’s sixth consecutive victory over the Australian in his professional career, regardless of the surface. De Miñaur, number six in the world, showed his tenacity, especially in the first set, although he did not manage to break the adverse streak against the ranking leader.
Court Domination
The first set was disputed, with Alcaraz taking an initial lead of 3-0. De Miñaur responded, equalizing the score to 3-3. Alcaraz, finally, secured the set with a 7-5. From that moment on, the Spaniard raised his level, controlling the second set with a solid 6-2. In the third set, he maintained the pace, securing the victory.
Historical Milestones for Spanish Tennis
This is Alcaraz’s first semifinal in Australia, in his fifth participation in the tournament and his twentieth Grand Slam played. He becomes the eighth Spaniard to reach the semifinals of the first Grand Slam of the year, following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Andrés Gimeno, Juan Gisbert, Carlos Moyá and Fernando Verdasco.
Furthermore, this represents Alcaraz’s tenth Grand Slam semi-final in his career. At 22 years and 272 days old, the Spaniard aims to become the second youngest player of the Open Era to reach that figure, only behind Nadal.
Alcaraz is also still in the running for historical records, including becoming the youngest player to complete the men’s singles Grand Slam and the youngest in the Open Era to win seven Grand Slam titles.
Featured Results in the Women’s Bracket
In the women’s bracket, Aryna Sabalenka, world number one, secured her place in the semifinals after a convincing victory over Iva Jovic with a score of 6-3 and 6-0. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina surprised with a dominant performance against American Coco Gauff, ranked third, winning 6-1 and 6-2.
