World No. 1 Jannik Sinner moved a step closer to defending his Australian Open crown with a commanding 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton in Friday’s semi-final on Rod Laver Arena.
Under the bright lights of Melbourne, Sinner showcased why he’s the top player in the world, neutralizing Shelton’s raw power with precision and poise. In a match where tension ran high, the 23-year-old Italian saved two set points in the opener before dominating the tie-break. From there, Sinner’s clinical baseline game dismantled Shelton’s rhythm, sealing the win in just over two and a half hours.
“It was a very tough first set but very crucial,” Sinner said. “There was a lot of tension for both of us. I’m happy with how I handled the situation today.”
Shelton, the 22-year-old American playing in his second major semi-final, flashed moments of brilliance with his thunderous serve and aggressive forehand. However, unforced errors at key moments, particularly in the first set, left him chasing the match.
Shelton managed a respectable 62% first-serve percentage but struggled to capitalize, winning just 56% of those points as Sinner returned with consistent depth.
Sinner’s dominant form continues to be the story of the tournament. With 20 consecutive wins and only two sets dropped en route to the final, the reigning champion has been relentless.
Adding to his remarkable season, Sinner has now won 36 of his last 37 matches, a streak dating back to October 2024.
Awaiting Sinner in the final is Alexander Zverev, who advanced after Novak Djokovic retired in their semi-final.
