Carlos Alcaraz’s sensational run at Grand Slams continued earlier today, as he secured his spot in the Australian Open semi-final.
It marked a 12th straight victory for him at this level, having won 25 of his last 26 major matches.
In all honesty, it feels like nobody can stop him.
Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur both gave their best, but failed to even take a set off him, with the Spaniard’s impeccable serving giving way to his flawless ground game.
Speaking after his most recent win over the aforementioned Aussie, Carlos Alcaraz was asked to compare his performances here in Melbourne to the ones he exhibited just last year when he won the US Open title.
Carlos Alcaraz compares this Australian Open run to his US Open title
Chatting with reporters, he wasted no time when asked to compare these two runs at the two hard-court Grand Slam events.
Alcaraz admitted: “Well, I don’t know. I could say the level of US Open is higher than the level that I’m playing right now, but it’s pretty close (smiling). Yeah, I think it’s pretty close. We can discuss.
Carlos Alcaraz WILL complete the Career Grand Slam before Jannik Sinner – discuss…
“The people talk about it and say which level is the best, if the US Open or this one. I would say with the level that I was serving, the way that I was doing everything, you know, in the US Open, for me, I think it was unmatchable, I guess, but just happy. I’m proud about how I am playing here.”
The 22-year-old has slowly been building up in this tournament, and seems to have peaked at the perfect time.
Asked about the patience required to trust that he will eventually hit that level, he replied: “Well, yeah, I mean, this is my first official tournament of the year, but you know, 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.
“Yeah, I left the court in the first round happy with my level, how I just felt on the court, which yeah, my team told me, like, be patient. Your level, the level you want to play, is going to come, for sure. You’ve 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 passion, of trying, of pushing yourself and just happy to see where my level is right now.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s historical performances at the Australian Open
Should Alcaraz beat Alexander Zverev in their semi-final on Friday, this will mark a fourth-straight major final for the young superstar.
These are extraordinary numbers, particularly given he has the chance to make history at the Australian Open this year too.
If he is to win the event, Alcaraz would be the youngest player ever to complete the career Grand Slam, securing his spot as the greatest youngster in tennis history.
Rate Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of winning the Australian Open out of 10
This campaign already makes it his best ever in Melbourne, having been knocked out in the quarter-finals in the last two years.
It will be intriguing to see how he manages the growing pressure as he gets closer and closer to his ultimate goal.
