Carlos Alcaraz produced a statement performance as he advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time with a straight-sets victory over the last home hope Alex de Minaur.
The world No 1, now just two wins away from becoming the youngest man in tennis history to complete the career grand slam, did not look back after winning a high-level opening set, triumphing 7-5 6-2 6-1.
It was a tough blow for De Minaur, who remains without a win in seven attempts in grand slam quarter-finals, but Alcaraz was on another level as he booked a semi-final clash with third seed Alexander Zverev.
Earlier, Elina Svitolina knocked Coco Gauff out of the Australian Open to set up a semi-final clash with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka as the American’s serve collapsed in brutal fashion.
Sabalenka continued her dominant form as she ended the run of American teenager Iva Jovic, while last year’s men’s runner-up Zverev saw off the challenge of Learner Tien to return to the semi-finals.
Follow latest score updates from the Australian Open, below:
Australian Open latest scores and updates
- Alcaraz surges through to Australian Open semi-finals with straight-sets win
- De Minaur challenge fades after electric first set as last Aussie hope goes out
- Coco Gauff knocked out of Australian Open in brutal 59-minute collapse
- Aryna Sabalenka turns up the heat on Iva Jovic to book semi-final spot
- Alexander Zverev keeps his cool to see off rising star Learner Tien
- Australian Open heat rules explained as tournament faces brutal 46C conditions
Why the Australian Open is finally seeing the very best of Carlos Alcaraz
14:10 , Jamie BraidwoodThe world No 1 moved two wins away from completing the career grand slam with a statement win over Alex de Minaur.
Why the Australian Open is finally seeing the very best of Carlos Alcaraz
Australian Open latest order of play and tournament schedule
23:59 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Australian Open semi-final line-up will be complete by the end of Wednesday, with four blockbuster quarter-final clashes on the schedule.
Iga Swiatek is chasing a first Australian Open title but faces her biggest test of the tournament yet in fifth seed Elena Rybakina, who has rediscovered some of her best form to return to grand slam contention.
There is then the all-American clash between Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula, in a battle of two players who are seeking a maiden grand slam triumph. Anisimova is bidding to reach a third consecutive major final.
Then, Novak Djokovic continues his bid for more grand slam history as he faces fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti, before Jannik Sinner resumes his title defence against Ben Shelton, who is confident he can pose a greater threat than last year.
Australian Open latest order of play and schedule for 2026 tournament
Is the Australian Open on TV? Channel, live stream and how to watch tennis grand slam
23:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Australian Open kicks off the tennis grand slams in 2026 as Jannik Sinner returns as defending champion and Aryna Sabalenka bids to regain her crown.
Sinner will be attempting to become just the second man in the Open era, after Novak Djokovic, to win three Australian Open singles titles in a row, while women’s No 1 Sabalenka will be determined after Madison Keys ended her bid for a hat-trick in last year’s final.
Two players will enter the tournament with the mission of completing the career grand slam. Both Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are an Australian Open title away from having won all four of the major titles - Alcaraz would be the youngest man to achieve the feat if he does so this year.
Is the Australian Open on TV? How to watch tennis grand slam
Musetti out for revenge against Djokovic after Athens battle
22:00 , Jamie Braidwood“Playing against Novak is always challenging, especially here, which he won many, many, many times.
“I think it will be a tough match, for sure. Of course, he's feeling good. He hasn’t lost a set. He had the chance to rest for a few days. I think at this age, I think he was happy about it, of course, to try to be well-prepared and well-relaxed for this match.
“But of course we know each other pretty well because we played a lot. Just won once against him. Hopefully I'll take my revenge, because last time in Athens we were really, really close. I feel like I have another chance now.”
Anisimova bidding for first win against Pegula in all-American quarter-final
21:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAmanda Anisimova is ready for another shot at Jessica Pegula in their all-American quarter-final clash.
Anisimova, who reached finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, has lost her three matches against Pegula and has never beaten her.
“She's such a great player. I really like her game,” Anisimova said. “I'm sure it's going to be a tough battle again. We always really go for our shots when we play against each other. I feel like we always have really long rallies.
“She's a very stable player. I know her game pretty well now. I would say it's just the fact that she gets a lot of balls back. She can challenge any of the top players. She's obviously at the top for a reason.
”I feel like I always have a chance against anyone. In my head, I feel like every match is new and different. I think the fact that I've never beaten her before is an extra challenge for me.”
Iga Swiatek not looking at head-to-head before Elena Rybakina battle
20:00 , Jamie BraidwoodIga Swiatek’s quarter-final with Elena Rybakina is a clash of Wimbledon champions - but the second seed said she would not be reading too much into their even head-to-head.
Swiatek lost to Rybakina in their last match at the WTA Finals, where she won just one game in the the final two sets.
“I wouldn't say head-to-head matters, because even when one of us was winning, it was always a tight match or she beat me easy,” Swiatek said.
“Doesn't matter. Doesn't make sense to overanalyse who won the last ones or how it has been looking. Every match is a different story.
“Like on every match she's been a tough opponent, and her tennis for sure is great. I need to be 100 per cent ready and go for it and use my experience and also the knowledge from previous matches, and that's it.”
De Minaur 'deflated' after Australian open defeat to Alcaraz
19:00 , Jamie Braidwood“It doesn't feel amazing, I'll tell you that. Yeah, you try to do the right things, you try to keep on improving, but when the results don't come or the scoreline doesn't reflect those improvements, then of course you feel quite deflated, I would say.
“I've got to take something out of it. In terms of mentality or the way I committed to hitting the ball today, it's what I set out to do. I just can't really execute it. I didn't really execute it for the whole match.
“There was some good parts out there, but overall, I'm playing out of my comfort zone and at times out of my skin. Of course, for me to take that next step, I've got to be comfortable in playing that sort of way for the whole match.”
Elina Svitolina on reaching her first Australian Open semi-final
18:00 , Jamie BraidwoodGood news for Elina Svitolina, who is not just back into the Australian Open semi-finals after today’s win over Coco Gauff, but also returns to the world’s top 10.
“I’m very pleased, with the tournament so fa. It has always been my dream to come back here after maternity leave. It was my dream to come back in top 10. Always been my goal.
“Unfortunately it didn't happen last year. I stopped after September. When we were training in the off-season, I told my coach I want to come back in top 10 still, so this was my goal for this year.”
Aryna Sabalenka frustrated by Australian Open’s ban on wearable fitness trackers
17:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka said she didn’t understand why she was ordered to remove a wearable fitness tracker before one of her matches at the Australian Open and urged the grand slam tournaments to reconsider the policy.
Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been spotted at the Australian Open wearing a Whoop fitness tracker on their wrist but have been told to remove them because they have not been approved by the organisers of the grand slams.
Aryna Sabalenka frustrated by Australian Open’s ban on wearable fitness trackers
US teenager Iva Jovic out of Australian Open despite ‘amazing’ Novak Djokovic advice
16:40 , Jamie BraidwoodIva Jovic’s impressive run at the Australian Open, bolstered by playing tips from tennis legend Novak Djokovic, came to an end on Tuesday as she was defeated by top seed Aryna Sabalenka.
The 18-year-old American fell 6-3, 6-0 in the quarter-final clash at Melbourne Park.
Despite the loss, Jovic expressed immense gratitude for the guidance she received from the Serbian star, who boasts 24 Grand Slam singles titles, ten of which were secured in Australia.
US teenager Jovic crashes out of Australian Open despite ‘amazing’ Djokovic advice
Zverev keeps his cool in Melbourne heat to knock out Tien
16:00 , Jamie BraidwoodLearner Tien delivered a compelling display of his burgeoning talent during his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final, ultimately succumbing to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open.
The 20-year-old American had aimed to become the youngest man in 34 years to reach the Melbourne semi-finals, but it was third seed Zverev who advanced to his tenth major semi-final with a 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 7-6 (3) victory.
An impressed Zverev acknowledged his opponent's prowess, stating: "Learner from the baseline was playing unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve played anyone who plays that well from the baseline for a very long time.
“I don’t know what Michael Chang has done with him in the off-season, but it’s incredible. Without my 20 something aces, I probably would not have won today."
US rising star Tien out of Australian Open as Zverev keeps his cool in Melbourne heat
Coco Gauff frustrated as video of ‘private’ racket smash goes public after Australian Open defeat
15:20 , Jamie BraidwoodCoco Gauff was left frustrated by a lack of privacy at the Australian Open after she was captured smashing her racket by behind-the-scenes cameras following her brutal defeat to Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals.
A similar incident occurred in 2023, after Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, with Judy Murray criticising the publication of footage from a training room that showed Sabalenka smashing her racket after the loss.
“I tried to go somewhere where there was no cameras,” Gauff said after the defeat.
“I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments – the same thing happened to Aryna after I played her in final of US Open – I feel like they don't need to broadcast.”
Gauff frustrated as video of ‘private’ racket smash goes public
Coco Gauff knocked out of Australian Open in brutal 59-minute collapse
14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodElina Svitolina knocked Coco Gauff out of the Australian Open to set up a semi-final clash with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka as the American’s serve collapsed in brutal fashion.
Ukraine’s Svitolina, the 12th seed, defeated Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in just 59 minutes to reach her first Australian Open semi-final as her direct returns forced Gauff’s game to malfunction.
The 21-year-old made five double faults in the first set and did not hold serve until her sixth game of the match. As Gauff spiralled, at one stage in the second set Svitolina had won 12 points in a row.
The French Open champion looked distressed as her errors continued to pile up and - barring a late fight back from 0-3 down in the second set - the scoreline could have been even worse.
Coco Gauff knocked out of Australian Open in brutal 59-minute collapse
Sinner aims to continue winning run at Australian Open as Ben Shelton bids for revenge
13:50 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner has battled physical difficulties in the heat to extend his win-streak in Melbourne to 18 matches, a run that includes a semi-final win over Shelton year.
The American eighth seed believes he is a different player now and the left-hander has been in dangerous form, having overcome Casper Ruud in his previous match, but the 23-year-old has a difficult record against Sinner.
Last year, Sinner rolled past Shelton 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-2, and he will look to match the gathering pace of rival Carlos Alcaraz after he progressed to his first Australian Open semi-final.
The winner of Sinner and Shelton’s match will play either Novak Djokovic or Lorenzo Musetti in Friday’s semi-final.
Jannik Sinner v Ben Shelton start time and how to watch Australian Open quarter-final
Djokovic bids for another grand slam semi-final at the Australian Open
13:35 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic reached all four semi-finals at the grand slam tournaments last year, at the age of 38, only to run into injury or one of Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
His latest pursuit of a 25th grand slam title has been aided by a walkover in the fourth round, as Jakub Mensik pulled out of the tournament due to injury.
Lorenzo Musetti, who is through to his first Australian Open semi-final, will be a tough test, but Djokovic won their last meeting in an epic three-hour Athens final at the end of last year.
Musetti has only won one of his 10 matches against Djokovic, who is a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic v Musetti start time and how to watch Australian Open quarter-final
Carlos Alcaraz believes he is still yet to hit the heights of the US Open
13:20 , Jamie Braidwood“I could say the level of US Open is higher than the level that I'm playing right now, but it's pretty close. Yeah, I think it's pretty close. We can discuss.
“I will let the people talk about it and say which level is the best, if US Open or this one. I would say with the level that I was serving, the way that I was doing everything in the US Open, for me I think it was unmatchable.
“But I’m just happy. I'm proud about how I am playing here.”
Still another gear for Alcaraz to get to, then?
Carlos Alcaraz expands on finding more 'patience' at Australian Open
13:05 , Jamie Braidwood“This my first official tournament of the year. For me sometimes, I'm not that patient sometimes. In the first match, I just really want to play at my best level. This is almost impossible. You have to get the rhythm of the competition again.
“I left the court in the first round happy with my level, how I just felt on the court. My team told me, be patient. Your level, the level you want to play, is going to come, for sure. You got to just keep trying, keep pushing yourself, and you will get where you want to be.
“I think it's been a great work so far of patience, of trying, of pushing yourself and just happy to see where my level is right now.”
Tomorrow's Australian Open order of play
12:50 , Jamie BraidwoodRod Laver Arena
12:30 AM GMT
- Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [5] vs. Iga Swiatek (POL) [2]
- Jessica Pegula (USA) [6] vs. Amanda Anisimova (USA) [4]
- Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [5] vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB) [4]
8:00 AM GMT
- Ben Shelton (USA) [8] vs. Jannik Sinner (ITA) [2]
After today, Carlos Alcaraz has now...
12:35 , Jamie Braidwood- Reached his first Australian Open semi-final
- Reached his fourth grand slam semi-final in a row
- Reached his 10th grand slam semi-final from 20 appearances
- Become the third-youngest player to reach the semi-finals at all four grand slams
- Become the second-youngest player to reach 10 grand slam semi-finals
Carlos Alcaraz eyes 'revenge' against Alexander Zverev
12:20 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are 6-6 in their overall head-to-head, but Alcaraz’s thoughts immediately turned to their Australian Open quarter-final from two years ago.
“I think [I will need to] increase my level. I’ve seen Sacha through the whole tournament. He's playing great tennis, really solid, aggressive. I think he's serving pretty well as well, soI have to be ready.
”We practiced in the week before the tournament began and he beat me 7-6, but playing such great tennis. We gotta be ready, not only me, my team as well. We have to play tactically, really well, so it's gonna be a great battle.
“I'm really looking forward playing him again here, taking the revenge. So it's gonna be great. I can't wait for that.”
Carlos Alcaraz delighted with level against Alex de Minaur
12:08 , Jamie Braidwood“I started the match really, really well. I think in just two games I made like seven or eight winners, so it was a great, great level.
“You know, playing against someone like like Alex is always really difficult. You have to be really focused on, on every ball , win the point almost 34 times.”
Carlos Alcaraz reveals key to victory over Alex de Minaur: 'Be patient'
11:50 , Jamie BraidwoodInteresting to hear Carlos Alcaraz highlight how important “patience” has been at this Australian Open. Another sign of how level-headed a performer he has become after reaching the semi-finals for the first time here.
“I'm just really happy with the way that I'm just playing every match, I think since the the first round until now. I was increasing my level every match, which I'm just really, really happy about
“I really want all the things right now, so, after the first match my team, they told me like be patient, the level you want to play is gonna come for sure.
“I think today I just feel really comfortable playing great tennis, which I'm really proud about. Just really, really happy to get into the semi-finals.”
Alex de Minaur heads home as last Aussie standing goes out
11:47 , Jamie BraidwoodAh man. Alex de Minaur played such a strong tournament. That first set against Carlos Alcaraz might have been the highest level of the Australian Open so far.
But this quarter-final went the same way as his previous meetings with either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, the two best players in the world. They remain too good.
De Minaur’s winless run in grand slam quarter-finals goes on.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 6-1 Alex de Minaur
11:45 , Jamie BraidwoodA first Australian Open semi-final for Carlos Alcaraz - the bid of a historic career grand slam very much alive.
It’s sealed with an ace. Alex de Minaur’s fight was extinguished after a high-level first set. Australia’s last hope is out.
Alcaraz raises his arms and applauds to the crowd - then, a huge roar towards his box. Top class from the World No 1.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 5-1 Alex de Minaur
11:41 , Jamie BraidwoodThat could be that. The Rod Laver Arena is rather muted now as De Minaur goes long on break point. Alcaraz has been unrelenting.
And he will serve for the semi-finals next.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 4-1 Alex de Minaur*
11:38 , Jamie BraidwoodDespite both being ranked in the top-3 for all of last season, Alcaraz and Zverev only met once on tour in 2025.
Zverev did reach the Australian Open final, but his form dipped after that - while Alcaraz made 11 finals.
Zverev has two wins against Alcaraz from their last six matches going back to the 2023 ATP Finals - including that Australian Open quarter-final in 2024.
It’s a much better record than most other players during that time frame.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 3-1 Alex de Minaur
11:34 , Jamie BraidwoodFair play to De Minaur. This can’t be easy, but he staves off break points to hold serve.
De Minaur is heading for a sixth defeat to Alcaraz in six matches. He has lost all 13 matches he has played against Jannik Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 3-0 Alex de Minaur*
11:26 , Jamie BraidwoodDe Minaur slaps his knee after landing a slice about an inch long on break point. Alcaraz roars as he comes through the game, still in control of this one.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 2-0 Alex de Minaur
11:19 , Jamie BraidwoodDe Minaur whacks a ball in frustration as he is broken to start the third.
I think he is resigned to defeat now, which is a shame because his level in the first set was so, so high.
Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are just a different level to everyone else.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 1-0 Alex de Minaur*
11:16 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz breezes through the opening game to love.
De Minaur is up against a runaway train.
It’s Alexander Zverev who is waiting in the semi-finals. The German beat Alcaraz in the 2024 Australian Open quarter-finals. But he is so, so much more of a complete player now.
SECOND SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-2 Alex de Minaur
11:12 , Jamie BraidwoodA set point for Alcaraz against the De Minaur serve: the Aussie finds the wide serve and punishes the forehand winner.
On deuce, Alcaraz leaps to the right and pings the return in play. De Minaur goes long but Alcaraz is left limping slightly.
Alcaraz clenches his fist as De Minaur nets. He has tightened his grip on this quarter-final. Devastating for De Minaur.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 5-2 Alex de Minaur*
11:05 , Jamie BraidwoodDe Minaur rattles through a rare love-hold but Alcaraz is fully focused on closing this out on serve. The Spaniard wins another big exchange of forehand blows and looks to be cruising.
But hang on, a double fault from Alcaraz gives De Minaur break point and a chance! Alcaraz responds by hitting the baseline and De Minaur goes long on the half-volley.
Alcaraz then closes the door with the purest of backhand winners crosscourt that you are ever likely to see. So, so good.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 4-1 Alex de Minaur*
10:57 , Jamie BraidwoodA first-serve bomb from Alcaraz out wide secures the fifth game. There hasn’t been a lot to separate Alcaraz and De Minaur for a lot of this one - but the serve is a massive difference.
*Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 3-1 Alex de Minaur
10:53 , Jamie BraidwoodDe Minaur is speaking Spanish to his team - I think because he doesn’t want the Australian broadcasters to pick up what he’s saying.
The frustration is building as he is forced to face another break point - but this time delivers the first serves required to get out of trouble.
On deuce, De Minaur cracks through Alcaraz with a massive forehand crosscourt. Finally, some relief.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 3-0 Alex de Minaur*
10:46 , Jamie BraidwoodFive games in a row for Alcaraz - this one sealed by a delicious drop shot.
De Minaur now needs a similar fight-back after also dropping the first three games of the first set.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 2-0 Alex de Minaur
10:41 , Jamie BraidwoodDe Minaur finds some of his best serving of the match - and still Alcaraz delivers the opening break.
Alcaraz is everywhere as he reads De Minaur at the net to make the volley, bringing up break point.
He goes long - but then jumps on the De Minaur second serve to put a backhand into the corner, close to perfection.
Wow, the Alcaraz backhand. Such a weapon. He controls the backhand-backhand exchanged, finding the angle.
De Minaur slices out. A brutal blow.
Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 1-0 Alex de Minaur*
10:34 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz recovers from 0-30 to roll through the forehand and hold to start the second set, which becomes crucial for De Minaur. Alcaraz is yet to drop a set this tournament.
FIRST SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 Alex de Minaur
10:28 , Jamie BraidwoodAh that was such a strange end to the first set. Alcaraz actually argued for the time violation to be rescinded, but the delay did no favours to De Minaur: errors, and the misfiring serve, means that he faces 0-40 and three set points.
De Minaur is tough from the baseline and finds a big first-serve out wide to save all three, but he has to contend with a fourth as his backhand goes wide.
What a point this is! As if summing up the set, Alcaraz and De Minaur push themselves to the limit. Finally, De Minaur clips the net-cord and the ball lands out!
Alcaraz roars as he breaks to win the set! A tough one for De Minaur to take but his level has been so high.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-5 Alex de Minaur*
10:22 , Jamie BraidwoodA swift hold from Alcaraz throws the pressure back to De Minaur.
But right at the start of the 12th game, De Minaur is handed a time violation!
Alcaraz is telling the umpire that he wasn’t ready. That was weird from the umpire.
*Carlos Alcaraz 5-5 Alex de Minaur
10:18 , Jamie BraidwoodDe Minaur pulls himself back level. Another awesome display of ball-striking, as he attacks Alcaraz from the baseline. This first set could be going the distance.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Alex de Minaur*
10:11 , Jamie BraidwoodThis is just different level from De Minaur. He was absolutely crushed by Jannik Sinner at this stage last year and this is such a different story.
He mixes it up against the Alcaraz serve, flashing the sharp returns. On break point, De Minaur fires a brilliant backhand winner down the line.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 5-3 Alex de Minaur
10:06 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz roars as he finds a crucial break! De Minaur pays the price for some errors as he looks to go toe-for-toe with Alcaraz from the baseline, leaving him with 0-40.
Alcaraz is all over the second serve and De Minaur goes long on the forehand. He’ll now serve for the set.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 Alex de Minaur*
10:01 , Jamie BraidwoodIs Alcaraz in some trouble? A forehand flies long and suddenly De Minaur has a look at 0-30.
But Alcaraz finds his strike and let’s the home crowd know he’s up for the fight with a huge cry of “vamos!”
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-3 Alex de Minaur
09:55 , Jamie BraidwoodThe athleticism on display from both players is phenomenal. De Minaur hits back and levels the first set. Alcaraz is making De Minaur hit big but he has come out firing, continuing his form from the tournament.
Electric.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 3-2 Alex de Minaur*
09:50 , Jamie BraidwoodThere are oooos as Alcaraz misses on the first serve and suddenly, as an Alcaraz backhand finds the net, De Minaur has three break points.
De Minaur can’t make a return against the second serve, though, and Alcaraz saves the first two. This is a massive opportunity for De Minaur.
De Minaur takes it! He stretches left to reach the Alcaraz backhand and fires it back on the angle. Alcaraz nets and De Minaur is back on terms!
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-1 Alex de Minaur
09:46 , Jamie BraidwoodA roar from the home crowd as De Minaur gets on the board. Alcaraz, who is popular wherever he plays and is very rarely the second favourite, will be up against it tonight and the Australian needs to use the power of that.
Carlos Alcaraz 3-0 Alex de Minaur*
09:41 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has started on fire. For De Minaur, part of the challenge is telling himself he can still do this. He’s started at a high level, too, it just hasn’t been enough yet.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 Alex de Minaur
09:38 , Jamie BraidwoodWHAT A START to this match!
Incredible. De Minaur faced 0-30 off the gun. But he somehow turns defence into attack against Alcaraz, blasting for the lines.
Alcaraz responds by ramping up the winners, including a crunched return down the line.
On break point, Alcaraz moves into attack and sends De Minaur chasing. It’s brilliant defence, but Alcaraz finds his way through.
Stunning from Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Alex de Minaur*
09:31 , Jamie BraidwoodA fast start from Alcaraz. He is ripping the forehand already. De Minaur is possibly the hardest man on tour to hit through, as he has shown this week. But Alcaraz has such explosive weapons.
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Alex de Minaur
09:28 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a night this could be in the life of Alex de Minaur and the Australian Open. Carlos Alcaraz stands in his way.
The Spaniard - who is hunting the career grand slam - will serve to start.
Carlos Alcaraz v Alex de Minaur
09:22 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! This should be a cracker on Rod Laver Arena, and the roof will be open!
The top seed against the home hope, who has been in wonderful form at the Australian Open.
One of them is going to go through to their first Australian Open semi-final.
Elina Svitolina on reaching her first Australian Open semi-final
09:18 , Jamie BraidwoodGood news for Elina Svitolina, who is not just back into the Australian Open semi-finals, but also returns to the world’s top 10.
“I’m very pleased, with the tournament so fa. It has always been my dream to come back here after maternity leave.
”It was my dream to come back in top 10. Always been my goal.
“Unfortunately it didn't happen last year. I stopped after September. When we were training in the off-season, I told my coach I want to come back in top 10 still, so this was my goal for this year.”
Coco Gauff knocked out of Australian Open in brutal 59-minute collapse
09:07 , Jamie BraidwoodElina Svitolina knocked Coco Gauff out of the Australian Open to set up a semi-final clash with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka as the American’s serve collapsed in brutal fashion
Ukraine’s Svitolina, the 12th seed, defeated Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in just 59 minutes to reach her first Australian Open semi-final as her direct returns forced Gauff’s game to malfunction.
The 21-year-old made five double faults in the first set, did not hold serve until her sixth game of the match, and at one stage in the second set Svitolina won 12 points in a row.
The French Open champion looked distressed as her errors piled up and - barring a late fight back from 0-3 down in the second set - the scoreline would have read even worse.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Coco Gauff 1-6 2-6 Elina Svitolina
09:05 , Jamie BraidwoodA massive return from Svitolina - which rather sums up the past hour - brings up match point.
Gauff finds the serve but Svitolina is direct on the return. Gauff fires out!
Wow, less than an hour. An absolute thrashing. It will be Svitolina v Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
*Coco Gauff 1-6 2-5 Elina Svitolina
09:02 , Jamie BraidwoodGauff holds serve for a second time but can’t prevent Svitolina from moving a game away from the semi-finals. The Ukrainian gets a big kick off the net-cord and Gauff can’t reach the volley in time.
*Coco Gauff 1-6 1-4 Elina Svitolina
08:56 , Jamie BraidwoodGauff digs into a couple of rallies, showing signs of some resurgence. But Svitolina produces a timely ace, which is followed by a forehand error long from Gauff.
Coco Gauff 1-6 1-3 Elina Svitolina*
08:51 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina had won 12 points in a row from 0-0, 30-30, to 0-3, 0-30.
But, Gauff finds some fight. She wins a service game for the first time in the match!
A roar from Gauff. But she needs a lot more.
*Coco Gauff 1-6 0-3 Elina Svitolina
08:48 , Jamie BraidwoodThis is tough to watch now for Gauff. The errors are being sprayed across the court. She can’t find a serve. Difficult scenes for the 21-year-old. Her mother is also looking distressed in the crowd.
FIRST SET! Coco Gauff 1-6 Elina Svitolina*
08:35 , Jamie BraidwoodGauff is winning just 26% of her service points. Another double fault brings up 30-30, where Svitolina cracks a return onto the baseline.
Set point for Svitolina: and it’s another double fault from the third seed. A horrible set for Gauff, but if anyone can bounce back, she can.
Svitolina is punishing this crumbling serve, though.
BREAK! Coco Gauff 1-4 Elina Svitolina*
08:28 , Jamie BraidwoodSvitolina launches herself into a massive forehand winner to earn the first hold of the match.
And it’s all going wrong for Gauff, looking in real distress as she fluffs a volley to look at 0-40.
Svitolina jumps on the second-serve and moves into a commanding lead in this first set.
BREAK! Coco Gauff 1-2 Elina Svitolina*
08:21 , Jamie BraidwoodSome ominous signs for Gauff on the serve as she double-faults twice in one game, including on break point. There’s a weary look on the Americans face already after a third break in a row.
BREAK! *Coco Gauff 1-1 Elina Svitolina
08:19 , Jamie BraidwoodThe break goes straight back to Gauff, after an long Svitolina service game that feature a 26-shot rally. This is going to be a battle of endurance. Gael Monfils is still in Melbourne and is part of Svitolina’s on-court team on the Rod Laver Arena.
BREAK! Coco Gauff 0-1 Elina Svitolina*
08:10 , Jamie BraidwoodA double fault from Gauff on 30-30 brings up break point for Svitolina, and in the backhand-backhand duel Gauff pulls wide.
The roof has closed on the Rod Laver Arena so the players are not having to deal with the heat in cooler, indoor conditions.
Fair amount of empty seats, too, given the heatwave that has struck Melbourne.
Coco Gauff v Elina Svitolina
08:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe players are walking onto court for the first quarter-final of the night session, as Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina meet for the chance to face Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
Gauff, the third seed, has been progressing well through the tournament and will be looking to set up another battle with Sabalenka after their French Open final clash.
Svitolina, the star from Ukraine, has not made a semi-final of a grand slam since 2023 but consistently delivers her best on these stages.
“I feel like with each match you start to relax a little bit more,” Gauff said before this one. “But also, as you keep going, usually the ranking of the opponent gets higher, so the matches should be a bit tougher, which they have been.
“But I definitely think it's more fun just because you're in great battles, and also just being here in Australia, I think it's the real opportunity to show where your game is.”
Alcaraz v De Minaur start time
07:54 , Jamie BraidwoodThe match has been scheduled last on the Rod Laver Arena and will follow the women’s quarter-final between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina, which will start from 8:00am GMT (UK time). Alcaraz and De Minaur could expect to take to court at around 10am GMT, which should avoid the worst of the heat on Tuesday.
Australian Open heat rules explained as tournament faces brutal 46C conditions
07:46 , Jamie BraidwoodThe organisers of the Australian Open have been forced to adjust their schedule with a heatwave expected to hit at the start of the quarter-finals.
Australian Open heat rules explained as tournament prepares for brutal 46C conditions
Alexander Zverev keeps his cool to see off rising star Learner Tien
07:38 , Jamie BraidwoodLearner Tien showcased what makes him such an exciting talent in his first grand slam quarter-final before falling to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open.
The 20-year-old American was bidding to become the youngest man to reach the last four in Melbourne for 34 years, but instead it was third seed Zverev who moved through to a 10th slam semi-final after a 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 7-6 (3) victory.
Alexander Zverev keeps his cool to see off rising star Learner Tien
Aryna Sabalenka turns up the heat on Iva Jovic to book semi-final spot
07:30 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka ended the teenage challenge at the Australian Open with an emphatic quarter-final final victory over Iva Jovic.
Having defeated 19-year-old Victoria Mboko in the fourth round, the world number one dropped just three games against 18-year-old American Jovic in a 6-3 6-0 victory.
The scoreline was harsh on the youngster, who was very competitive in the points but time and again came out on the wrong end of games.
Aryna Sabalenka turns up the heat on Iva Jovic to book semi-final spot
Good morning and welcome
07:21 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz faces Alex de Minaur in a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final as the last home hope in the singles takes on the world No 1 amid extreme heat in Melbourne.
World No 1 Alcaraz continues his bid for a first Australian Open title, which would complete the grand slam, while De Minaur aims to finally break through his quarter-final curse.
The sixth seed De Minaur has reached six quarter-finals at the grand slams without reaching the semi-finals, including five over the last two seasons.
He will also have to overcome a 0-5 record against the Spaniard, including a tough defeat at the ATP Finals last season, as well as the extreme heat that is forecast in Melbourne.
De Minaur will be cheered on by the home crowd, however, as he dreams of becoming the first Australian man to win the Australian Open since Mark Edmondson in 1976.
