Melbourne erupted in cheers and gasps as Jannik Sinner dismantled local hero Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena, securing his third straight Australian Open semifinal spot. The world No. 2 Italian star extended his unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park to 19 matches, solidifying his claim for a first title Down Under.
Sinner’s dominance over the powerful left-hander was clinical. This marked his ninth straight win against Shelton in major tournaments, including triumphs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The 24-year-old targeted Shelton’s backhand relentlessly, dictating play from the baseline and pressuring the American’s forehand side. Shelton’s serve, usually a weapon, fell flat, while Sinner’s returns in the first two sets were impeccable.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, tension simmered. Sinner showed brief signs of fatigue late in the second set, his pace dipping momentarily. But the four-time Grand Slam champion regrouped swiftly, clinching a crucial break in the third set’s ninth game after Shelton’s double fault at 15/40. In 2 hours and 25 minutes, Sinner sealed the match on serve, finishing with an 18-17 edge in unforced errors but overwhelming control.
Now, the stakes skyrocket. Sinner faces Novak Djokovic in Friday’s semifinal, a rematch loaded with history. Djokovic chases his 10th Australian Open crown and 25th major, while Sinner aims to build on past semifinal upsets over the Serb at this tournament and others. Tennis fans brace for an epic battle between youth and experience in what could define the 2025 season.