Defending champion Jannik Sinner secured his place in the Australian Open final with a straight-sets victory over American Ben Shelton, winning 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2.
The Italian world No. 1 continues to dominate hard court grand slams, marking his third consecutive final appearance after victories at the US Open and Australian Open last season.
A Tough First Set Sets the Tone
The match began with intensity, as Shelton broke Sinner in the opening game, making an early statement. However, the 23-year-old Italian quickly regained his composure and broke back to level the set at 2-2.
Shelton appeared to gain the upper hand with another break at 6-5, giving himself the chance to serve out the set. But the American failed to convert two set points, allowing Sinner to break back and take the set into a tie-break. Sinner dominated the tie-break, winning it comfortably to establish control of the match.
Sinner Takes Command in the Second Set
After securing the crucial first set, Sinner turned up the pressure. Two early breaks of serve allowed him to cruise through the second set with ease. Shelton, appearing in just his second grand slam semifinal, struggled to find consistency in his service games, which Sinner exploited to his advantage.
Shelton’s Fight Falls Short in the Final Set
Shelton showed resilience in the third set, creating three break point opportunities across two of Sinner’s service games. However, the American was unable to capitalize on these chances. In contrast, Sinner maintained his composure and broke Shelton twice in a row, sealing his victory in straight sets.
Injuries and Tension Impact Both Players
Both players dealt with leg injuries during the match, requiring medical attention. Shelton, in particular, had his thigh massaged multiple times. Sinner, meanwhile, admitted to experiencing “small cramps” due to the tension of the contest.
Reflecting on the match, Sinner said:
“It was a very tough first set but a very crucial one, and I felt like he was serving not at his best today. There was a bit of tension for both of us, but I’m very happy with how I handled the situation.”
Sinner also credited his strategy of keeping Shelton on the move and staying aggressive as key to his win:
“These matches can go very, very long, so I’m happy to finish in three sets today.”
Looking Ahead to the Final Against Alexander Zverev
With his victory over Shelton, Sinner now advances to Sunday’s final, where he will face Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who is seeking his first grand slam title. Zverev progressed to the final after Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Speaking about his upcoming opponent, Sinner said:
“It will be a tough match. We’ve had some very tough matches in the past. Everything can happen. He’s an incredible player. He’s looking for his first major. There’s again going to be a lot of tension, but I’m happy to put myself in this position again.”
Sinner will aim to defend his title and continue his reign as the dominant force on hard courts. As he steps onto the court for Sunday’s final, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown.
The Information is Collected from CNN and BBC.
