Melbourne, Jan. 27 -- World number one Carlos Alcaraz defied a partisan crowd and extended the grand slam jinx of Alex de Minaur on Tuesday after a ruthless straight-sets victory in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Local hopes were raised with an in-form De Minaur aiming to end Australia's 50-year men's singles title drought on home soil.
But for the seventh time in his career, De Minaur flamed out at the last eight of a major with an irrepressible Alcaraz romping to the finish line 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 in two hours and 15 minutes.
The 22-year-old finished the match off with his fifth ace to continue a flawless campaign so far, where he has not dropped a set.
Alcaraz will next play world No.3 Alexander Zverev, who edged American Learner Tien...