AUSTRALIAN OPEN. Men´s singles
Carlos Alcaraz once again showed why he is one of the most feared names on the tour. The Spaniard delivered a commanding performance to defeat local favorite Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 and book his place in the Australian Open semifinals, confirming a level of play that is close to flawless and that, match after match, leaves a deep emotional mark on his opponents.
De Minaur managed to compete on equal terms in the opening set, fueled by the crowd and his trademark intensity from the baseline. But once Alcaraz fine-tuned his timing and raised his level of aggression, the match shifted decisively. From the second set onward, the Spaniard was in complete control: he dictated the rallies, managed the tempo, and forced the Australian into a constantly defensive position. By the third set, there was no contest left—everything revolved around Alcaraz, who played with freedom, confidence, and overwhelming authority.
Beyond the scoreline, what Alcaraz generates in his rivals is an almost inevitable feeling: once he takes the lead, he rarely lets it slip. The numbers support that perception and weigh heavily on the opponent’s mind. The Spaniard owns a perfect record at Grand Slams when he wins the first two sets—54 matches, 54 victories, no defeats. A statistic that not only highlights his mental toughness but also becomes a decisive psychological factor. Once Alcaraz is ahead, the challenge stops being purely tennis-related and turns into an emotional battle. And today, against De Minaur, that was once again crystal clear.