MELBOURNE, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Carlos Alcaraz ‌charged into the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time in his career with a dominant 7-5 6-2 ‌6-1 victory over local favourite Alex de Minaur on Tuesday, keeping his bid for a career Grand ‌Slam alive at Melbourne Park.

The 22-year-old Spaniard swapped extravagance for efficiency at Rod Laver Arena to end the hopes of sixth seed De Minaur, who was aiming to end a five-decade Australian wait for a homegrown men's champion at the tournament.