On Tuesday, the best tennis player in the world, 22-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, booked a place in the semi-finals for the first time in his career, defeating home favourite Alex de Minaur (ATP – 6th) in the quarter-finals 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 in two hours and 15 minutes.
Alcaraz is looking for a career Grand Slam, and this victory will definitely be an additional motivation for him. There are not many obstacles left for him.
In the first set, the Australian tennis player offered strong resistance to Alcaraz, twice getting the break back from behind (0-3, 3-5), but in the 12th game he once again lost his serve, and thus lost the set.
After winning the first part of the match in 58 minutes, Alcaraz simply overpowered and outplayed the 26-year-old Australian in the remaining 77 minutes, preventing him from reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, having now lost all seven of his quarterfinal appearances.
Before the start of this match, De Minaur spoke about the atmosphere at the Australian Open, which is well known in the world of tennis.
Australian fans are some of the most passionate fans in tennis, which is why most tennis players see this tournament as a special challenge.
Although the crowd can sometimes be on the opposite side and often supports the opponent, for some it can serve as additional motivation in both cases.
Alex De Minaur admitted in an interview with Ralph Lauren that it is a great feeling to play in front of his audience, emphasizing that the two cultures helped him combine different influences and and build the person he is today from both environments.
"The feeling I get walking onto the iconic blue courts, it is one of the best feelings in the world.
I would tell my younger self to keep having that passion, keep enjoying every second. There’s going to be some ups, there’s going to be some downs, but if you keep that attitude, then good things will happen.
Growing up between Australia and Spain helped me shape my game in many, many ways. Different cultures, different playing styles. I was able to kind of blend those two together to be the person that I am."- he said.
Australian fans proud of Alex de Minaur's success
Although the Australian has finished his journey at this tournament, Australian fans are proud of him, hoping that in the coming years he will make an important step and come to fight for the Australian Open title.
Winning a trophy at this tournament is extremely difficult, but De Minaur still does not give up on his goals.
