Alcaraz targets first Melbourne semi amid extreme heat
Carlos Alcaraz moved closer to his first Australian Open semi-final on Monday in Melbourne, advancing to the quarter-finals as forecasts warned of temperatures rising to 45°C. The Spanish world No. 2 said he is ready to handle both his opponent and the brutal conditions as he eyes a missing piece in his Grand Slam résumé.
Alcaraz reached the last eight after another straight-sets win, extending his perfect record against his next rival and underlining his physical growth on hard courts. “I feel prepared for these situations now. The heat is tough for everyone, but you have to adapt,” Alcaraz told reporters, as quoted by international media.
Tournament officials have already activated the extreme heat policy, allowing longer breaks between sets. Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero stressed preparation over excuses, saying, “We’ve trained for this. Carlos knows how to manage his body and energy.”
Alcaraz has never reached the Melbourne semi-finals before, with earlier campaigns halted in the quarters. His upcoming match will test his endurance, but the Spaniard remains confident: “If I want to win here, I have to beat the best in any conditions.”