Alex de Minaur does something at the Monte Carlo Masters that not even Rafael Nadal ever did in his clay career

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Alex de Minaur has stormed into the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters, with Grigor Dimitrov his latest victim.

De Minaur now knows how to be effective on clay, having failed to win an ATP Tour title on the surface so far in his career.

But the Australian is now drawing nearer to that milestone, with Lorenzo Musetti up next for De Minaur at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Musetti is, however, also in formidable form, having just knocked out three-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Tsitsipas equalled Rafael Nadal with a fifth successive Monte Carlo Masters quarter-final, but the sixth seed was overcome by 13th seed Musetti.

Alex de Minaur outshines Rafael Nadal on clay with Monte Carlo double bagel

And De Minaur has now bettered the King of Clay as opposed to equalling him, having just beaten Dimitrov 6-0, 6-0.

As per Bastien Fachan, the Australian now has one career double bagel on clay, with Nadal not achieving that feat despite his stunning career on the surface.

And as per OptaAce, the 26-year-old also made tennis history with the ruthless performance, which took just under 45 minutes.

With his stunning display, he has become the first player to win an ATP Masters 1000 match from the quarter-final stage and onwards 6-0, 6-0 since the format’s introduction in 1990.

Alex de Minaur reveals the ‘only time’ he lost 6-0, 6-0 in his career

De Minaur was switched on from the very first minute of his meeting with Dimitrov, who is likely to be still shaking from the stunning defeat and indeed the manner of it.

The former had only just knocked out Daniil Medvedev, with Tomas Machac representing his other victim in Monaco.

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De Minaur won 75% of his first serve points and 80% of his second serve points, posting a figure of 76% for total points won.

Asked on court if he was aware that he had never previously won a match 6-0, 6-0, also known as a double bagel, De Minaur replied: “I did know that.

“I know the only time I ever lost 6-0 6-0 myself was to Tommy Paul in the semi-finals of US Open juniors. It’s pretty crazy.”