Carlos Alcaraz claims first Australian Open semi-final spot with win over Alex de Minaur

The match lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes, with Alcaraz showcasing his composure and tactical prowess throughout.

Alcaraz will now contest his first Australian Open semi-final and his tenth Major semi-final overall, as he maintained his perfect record against de Minaur.

The opening set was a tightly contested affair. Alcaraz broke early with a forehand winner in game two, only for de Minaur to respond in game five.

At 5-6, the Australian saved multiple set points, but Alcaraz seized the fourth opportunity to close the set. From there, the match tilted decisively in the Spaniard's favour.

In the second set, the 22-year-old capitalised on de Minaur's errors, breaking in the second game and extending to 4-1. Despite a missed break point in game four, he maintained control and closed the set 6-2 after a forehand error from the Australian.

The third set saw similar dominance, with breaks in the second and fifth games and an ace in game seven sealing a 6-1 finish.

"I'm just really happy with the way that I'm playing every match," Alcaraz said.

"Since the first round until now, I was increasing my level every match, which I'm just really happy about.

"I want all the things right now so after the first match (my team) told me, 'Be patient. The level you want to play is going to come for sure.'

"I think today I just feel really comfortable playing great tennis, which I'm really proud about, and I'm just really, really happy to get into a semi-final."

He will now face World No. 3 Alexander Zverev for a place in the Australian Open final, keeping his hopes of a maiden title very much alive. 

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