Sinner advances to the Australian Open final after defeating Shelton in straight sets. The world number one wants to win a third major title.
In the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 to advance to his third Grand Slam final.
Sinner is now one victory away from defending his title and winning his third major championship thanks to his brilliant performance at Rod Laver Arena.
The 23-year-old Italian, who has advanced to several Australian Open finals since Jim Courier in 1993, showed composure and accuracy in the face of Shelton’s unadulterated might.
Sinner used the tie-break to his advantage and saved two set points in the first set. Throughout the next sets, he remained in control, winning 93% of his first-serve points and making just six unforced errors in the second set.
After winning at the tour level for the twentieth time in a row, Sinner remarked,
“I knew I had to stay focused and take my chances.” “I’m happy with how I handled the match, even though Ben is a formidable opponent with large weapons.”
The 22-year-old Shelton was making his second Grand Slam semifinal appearance following his 2023 run at the US Open. The Rod Laver Arena audience was periodically mesmerized by the American’s strong forehand, but inconsistency at crucial times proved expensive.
Shelton will move up to World No. 14 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings after his impressive tournament performance, despite still trailing 1-5 in his head-to-head matches against Sinner.
Sinner ran a nearly perfect 2024 campaign. He has continued to dominate in Melbourne after winning eight trophies last year, including the US Open, Nitto ATP Finals, and Davis Cup.
Alexander Zverev, who advanced after Novak Djokovic retired due to injury in their semi-final match, will face the Italian, who has only lost two sets on his way to the final.
Sinner’s remarkable streak consists of 36 victories in his last 37 games, with his lone defeat occurring in a Beijing deciding-set tie-break against Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner would surpass Nicola Pietrangeli, the 1959 and 1960 Roland Garros champion, and become the first Italian to win three major championships if he wins Sunday’s final.
Sinner is still the guy to beat, and he has more history in his sights.
