Top seed and reigning champion Jannik Sinner has decisively eliminated home favourite Alex de Minaur from the Australian Open, setting up an exciting semi-final encounter with American powerhouse Ben Shelton.
Sinner, the defending champion of the Australian Open, showed no signs of vulnerability as he swept through the match, allowing De Minaur to win only six games in a commanding performance that ended with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. After acknowledging the challenges he faced in a grueling fourth-round match against Holger Rune, Sinner returned to the court in impeccable form, demonstrating his prowess and skill on the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Displaying remarkable ball-striking abilities, Sinner extended his impressive winning streak against De Minaur to 10 matches, which includes the last 20 sets won in succession. De Minaur, a promising contender, faced a daunting challenge, needing to secure his first-ever victory over Sinner to become the first Australian man to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago. This added pressure certainly weighed heavily on the local hope as he sought to make history.
The match began with an exhilarating pace, resembling an intense game of pinball as both players exchanged powerful baseline shots. However, it was Sinner who seized the initiative, breaking De Minaur’s serve early on to gain a 3-1 advantage, a critical point that set the tone for the first set. As the second set unfolded, Sinner’s confidence grew; he secured another break of serve with a stunning swatted crosscourt forehand winner, further demoralizing De Minaur, who was struggling for momentum.
De Minaur’s challenge was significantly hampered by the absence of his fiancée, Katie Boulter, who had returned home to prepare for her upcoming tournament, leaving him without crucial support during this pivotal match. Sinner’s shots proved too powerful for De Minaur, whose attempts to counterattack were continuously thwarted. There was no turning back for Sinner, as he stormed through the first three games of the third set with an impressive display of skill, eventually concluding the match with one final break of serve, delighting the audience in attendance.
On the other side of the draw, Ben Shelton displayed his own flair and tenacity as he fought his way through to the semi-finals, defeating Lorenzo Sonego in a thrilling four-set matchup. The energetic American, known for his booming serves and dynamic playing style, made his mark on the Grand Slam circuit two years ago by reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in his debut year. Shelton has since taken his game to new heights, continuing his journey after a strong performance at the US Open.
The draw at Melbourne Park has opened up in Shelton’s favour, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities as he seeks to advance further in the tournament. His latest victory came with a hard-fought score of 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) against unseeded Italian Sonego, who was making his debut in a Grand Slam quarter-final. Sonego, currently ranked 55, posed a significant challenge with his aggressive net play and relentless determination, putting Shelton on the backfoot at times.
During an exhilarating fourth-set tie-break, Shelton showcased his dedication and athleticism with an incredible dive across the court in a desperate attempt to retrieve a volley. After ending up sprawled by the advertising hoardings, he quickly proved his resilience by performing a press-up, affirming his fighting spirit to the crowd. Soon after, Shelton erupted with joy, having secured his place in the semi-finals, where he will undoubtedly look to build on his momentum.
The upcoming clash between Sinner and Shelton is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, and as they prepare to battle it out on the court, fans can expect an electrifying semi-final matchup filled with excitement and fierce competition as they each chase their dreams of Grand Slam glory.
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