Carlos Alcaraz enforces 100-minute blitz to dismiss Aussie Alex de Minuar at Barcelona Open
Carlos Alcaraz needed just 100 minutes to cement his spot in the semi-finals in Barcelona as he executed an impressive straight-sets win over Alex de Minaur.
Coming off the back of a title win at the Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz took to the court hungry to extend his winning streak. He dismissed his rival 7-5, 6-3.
It marked the fourth time the Spaniard has defeated de Minaur on the professional circuit, with the Australian yet to claim victory over the world No.2.
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Though Alcaraz was relatively composed throughout the battle, he admitted that a rocky service game opened too many early opportunities for de Minaur to surge.
"I started quite badly with the serve. I was struggling a little bit mentally with (it)," he said post-match.
Alex de Minaur looks on from the sidelines during a changeover at the Barcelona Open. Europa Press via Getty Images
"Alex started strong, playing aggressively, and the first set was really tight.
"It was just the first few games with my serve, then I think I improved a lot."
De Minaur, who was competing in his 50th tour-level quarter final, powered to a 3-1 lead in the opening set before the scores were levelled by Alcaraz.
The top-ranked Australian managed to break again in the seventh game but Alcaraz swiftly pushed back to claim four of the final five games and win the set.
Carlos Alcaraz plays during the match against Alex de Minaur. NurPhoto via Getty Images
Despite unveiling an "aggressive" and "fast-paced" style of play in the second set, de Minaur was denied the chance to continue his pursuit of a title.
"I'm glad that I ended up winning it," Alcaraz said.
"I think I played a complete match, very solid. At the beginning, I had a few doubts, but in the end, I found the right rhythm. In the second set, I just played great tennis.
"I'm happy I was able to pull through against a rival like Alex, who always makes matches very tough."
Alcaraz will face Arthur Fils in their semi final on Sunday, with the Frenchman advancing to the final stages after Stefano Tsitsipas retired in the third game of their quarter-final battle on Saturday.
