Reigning champion Jannik Sinner, describing himself as “physically stronger,” will face 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster Australian Open semi-final after dismissing Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday.
The Italian second seed swept past the American eighth seed 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, dropping just one set so far as he powered ominously into the last four at Melbourne Park.
The other men’s semi-final will see world number one Carlos Alcaraz take on third seed Alexander Zverev.
“We go day by day. Today I felt I was moving a little bit better, I feel physically stronger again,” Sinner said after reaching a sixth consecutive Grand Slam semi-final. “We all know what challenge I am up against,” he added of facing 38-year-old Djokovic. “These are the moments you practise for and wake up for in the morning. “It improves you as a player and as a person, and we’re lucky to have Novak still here, playing incredible tennis at his age.”
Sinner and Shelton arrived at the quarter-final with the Italian having won eight of their nine previous meetings in straight sets, with Shelton’s only victory coming in their first encounter in 2023.
That dominance was evident once again on a cool evening on Rod Laver Arena, echoing Sinner’s semi-final win over Shelton at Melbourne Park 12 months ago.
Sinner surged to a 4-1 lead in the opening set, sending the 23-year-old Shelton scrambling around the court. An ace sealed the first set in 49 minutes, and despite strong crowd support, Shelton was broken again early in the second as Sinner tightened his grip on the match.
The four-time Grand Slam champion remained composed even when Shelton’s aggressive play briefly applied pressure. After both players held serve through much of the third set, Shelton’s 33rd unforced error handed Sinner three break points. Although he saved one, a double fault handed Sinner a decisive 5-4 lead and effectively sealed the contest.
Standing in Sinner’s way next is Djokovic, a record 10-time Australian Open champion, who reached the semi-finals after his Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured from their quarter-final.
AFP
