Alcaraz Sweeps Into Maiden Melbourne Semi

Desk report

Carlos Alcaraz swept into his maiden Australian Open semi-final Tuesday in a clash with Alexander Zverev, while Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina faces Aryna Sabalenka in the last four.

Spanish world number one Alcaraz silenced the Melbourne crowd in brushing aside home hope Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz is yet to drop a set as he arrows in on a first Australian Open crown.

‘I’m just really happy with how I’m playing every match; each round my level is increasing,’ he said, in a warning to his rivals.

The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam that Alcaraz has not won.

If he beats Zverev and wins Sunday’s final, he would surpass compatriot and legend Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to win all four majors. Nadal was 24 when he did it.

Zverev sent down 24 aces in a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) victory.

World number three Zverev is desperate to finally win a Grand Slam at age 28, having lost three major finals, including being well beaten in last year’s title decider by Jannik Sinner.