Carlos Alcaraz Advances to Australian Open Semifinals with Special Support from Peggy Gou
In a thrilling display of skill and focus, Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the semifinals of the Australian Open 2026 with a commanding victory over Australian star Alex de Minaur. The match, held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Tuesday, January 27, saw Alcaraz triumph in straight sets with scores of 7-5, 6-2, and 6-1, reinforcing his status as the World No. 1 in men's tennis.
Peggy Gou's Presence Adds Buzz to the Quarterfinal Clash
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the high-stakes encounter was the presence of South Korean DJ and singer Peggy Gou, who was spotted sitting in Alcaraz's player box. Her enthusiastic reactions and close attention to the match quickly became a focal point for fans and social media commentators alike. This appearance follows recent reports of the two having dinner together in Seoul just days earlier, fueling speculation about their friendship.
Throughout the match, television cameras frequently captured Gou's animated responses, including her surprise during a pivotal 16-shot rally in the first set. That rally, which had the crowd on its feet, ended with de Minaur's return hitting the net and going out, helping Alcaraz clinch the first set 7-5. From there, Alcaraz dominated with his signature speed, sharp shots, and robust defense, leaving de Minaur struggling to keep pace.
Alcaraz Confirms Friendship and Looks Ahead to Semifinals
In his post-match press conference, Carlos Alcaraz addressed the buzz surrounding Peggy Gou's attendance. He confirmed their friendship, describing her as "really really cool" and expressing gratitude for her support. Alcaraz also hinted at his motivation for the upcoming rounds, saying, "I better win next round if I want to see her playing so I'm just happy to see her around. Hopefully I'll watch her play on Sunday."
Peggy Gou is scheduled to perform as the main act of the AO Live series at Melbourne Park on Sunday, February 1, before the men's singles final. Her show will feature performances by Shygirl Presents Club Shy, Baby J, and Bryson Hill, adding a musical highlight to the tournament's closing events.
Next Challenge: A Tight Semifinal Against Alexander Zverev
To reach his first Australian Open final, Carlos Alcaraz must now overcome Alexander Zverev in the semifinals on Friday. Their head-to-head record is evenly balanced at 6-6, promising a closely contested match. Alcaraz's recent form, combined with the added inspiration from Gou's support, sets the stage for an exciting showdown.
This victory not only highlights Alcaraz's exceptional talent and composure under pressure but also underscores the growing intersection of sports and entertainment, as seen with Peggy Gou's involvement. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Alcaraz as he aims to cement his legacy with a Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
