Quick Read
- Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 to reach his first Australian Open semi-final on January 27, 2026.
- Alcaraz is two wins away from becoming the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam.
- He will face third seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
- Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were asked to remove WHOOP fitness watches during earlier matches.
- WHOOP states its devices are ITF-approved; Tennis Australia confirms wearables are banned at Grand Slams.
MELBOURNE (Azat TV) – Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his first Australian Open semi-final on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with a commanding straight-sets victory over home favorite Alex de Minaur. His dominant performance, which brings him two wins closer to a historic career Grand Slam, comes just days after Alcaraz, along with fellow top seed Aryna Sabalenka, became central figures in a growing controversy surrounding the unexpected ban of wearable fitness technology during matches at the tournament.
Alcaraz Cruises Past De Minaur, Sets Zverev Showdown
The World No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, displayed a statement performance on Rod Laver Arena, defeating Australia’s last hope, Alex de Minaur, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 in their quarter-final clash. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament, controlled the match after a tightly contested opening set, where both players showcased high-level tennis. De Minaur, despite a strong tournament run, remains winless in seven Grand Slam quarter-final attempts, acknowledging Alcaraz’s superior form.
With this victory, Alcaraz secures his maiden semi-final berth at the Australian Open. He is now just two victories away from becoming the youngest man in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam, having already claimed titles at the US Open and Wimbledon. His next challenge will be third seed Alexander Zverev, who also reached the semi-finals after overcoming Learner Tien. This semi-final will be a significant rematch, as Zverev defeated Alcaraz in the 2024 Australian Open quarter-finals. Despite both players consistently ranking in the top three throughout 2025, they met only once on tour last season, highlighting the rarity of their matchups.
Wearable Tech Ban Sparks On-Court Controversy
Alcaraz’s impressive run has been punctuated by an unexpected off-court debate regarding the use of wearable technology. Before his fourth-round win over Tommy Paul, Alcaraz was notably asked by umpire Marija Cicak to remove his WHOOP fitness watch, worn beneath a sweatband on his right wrist. He complied, as did women’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a separate incident, both appearing visibly disappointed.
The ban has drawn sharp criticism from various corners of the tennis world. Veteran tennis commentator Mark Petchey questioned the ruling, stating, ‘You’re not allowed to play with a WHOOP watch here or anything that monitors your vitals or anything else.’ WHOOP’s founder, Will Ahmed, responded strongly on X, asserting, ‘Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids.’
Australian tennis greats Todd Woodbridge and Lleyton Hewitt also expressed confusion over the ban, especially given the recent introduction of courtside coaching. Woodbridge remarked on Channel 9, ‘Why can’t you have your own data? I don’t understand those rules.’ Tennis Australia issued a statement clarifying that ‘Wearables are currently not permitted at Grand Slams,’ but acknowledged ‘ongoing discussions on how this situation could change.’ The organization noted that while some wearables provide internal load indicators like heart rate, players can still monitor external load measures such as distance covered and shot speed via other approved technologies like Bolt 6. WHOOP devices, which are screenless and track recovery, exertion, and sleep, differ from other banned devices like Apple Watches or Garmins which have screens and communication capabilities. Spanish media reported Alcaraz had worn his device during his first three victories without issue.
The Stakes: A Historic Grand Slam Bid
Alcaraz’s quest for a career Grand Slam at such a young age adds immense pressure and excitement to his Australian Open campaign. At 22, he stands on the cusp of tennis history. His match against Alexander Zverev will not only be a battle for a place in the final but also a test of his evolution since their last encounter in Melbourne. Zverev holds a better head-to-head record against Alcaraz than most players, including their 2024 Australian Open quarter-final win, making this semi-final a highly anticipated clash.
Carlos Alcaraz’s journey through the Australian Open 2026 is shaping up to be a compelling narrative, blending his exceptional on-court talent and pursuit of historical milestones with an unexpected off-court controversy that highlights the evolving tension between player performance data and traditional Grand Slam regulations.