Australian Open: Swiatek vs. Keys, Sinner vs. Shelton Set for Semifinals/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys will face off in the Australian Open semifinals after impressive wins, while Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton set up a compelling men’s semifinal clash. Swiatek’s commanding form mirrors Maria Sharapova’s dominance in 2013, as she seeks her first title at Melbourne Park.
Australian Open Semifinals: Quick Looks
- Women’s Semifinal 1: Iga Swiatek takes on Madison Keys after a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Emma Navarro.
- Women’s Semifinal 2: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Paula Badosa, featuring the defending champion and her close friend.
- Men’s Semifinal 1: Jannik Sinner advances after routing Alex de Minaur, meeting Ben Shelton, who edged Lorenzo Sonego.
- Men’s Semifinal 2: Novak Djokovic faces Alexander Zverev in a high-stakes showdown.
- Keys in Form: Madison Keys extends her 10-match win streak using a new racket this season.
Australian Open: Swiatek vs. Keys, Sinner vs. Shelton Set for Semifinals
Deep Look
The Australian Open semifinals are set, with a mix of dominant performances, seasoned players, and rising stars taking center stage in Melbourne.
Swiatek’s Dominance
Iga Swiatek, seeded No. 2, continued her impressive run with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over No. 8 seed Emma Navarro. Swiatek has yet to drop a set in the tournament and has lost just 14 games across her matches, a feat unmatched at Melbourne Park since Maria Sharapova’s run in 2013.
“She does everything with 100% conviction and intensity,” Navarro said, praising Swiatek’s precision and movement.
Swiatek now faces No. 19 Madison Keys, who overcame Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach her third semifinal in Melbourne. Swiatek leads their head-to-head record 4-1 but acknowledged Keys’ experience and skill:
“Madison is a great player and experienced, so you never know. I’ll be just focused on myself.”
Keys’ Resurgence
Keys is riding a 10-match winning streak, bolstered by a new racket and renewed confidence. Her aggressive play and willingness to come to the net proved decisive against Svitolina. She won 23 of 26 points at the net and finished with 49 winners.
“I think I play a little bit smarter now,” Keys said, reflecting on her evolving approach.
Men’s Semifinals
The men’s bracket also features a compelling lineup. No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced with a dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Alex de Minaur, the last remaining Australian in the draw. Sinner praised Ben Shelton, his semifinal opponent, for his unique left-handed serve and powerful game.
Shelton, seeded No. 21, reached his first Australian Open semifinal by defeating Lorenzo Sonego in a thrilling 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4) match. Known for his flair and high-energy style, Shelton will face his toughest challenge yet in the form of Sinner.
The other men’s semifinal pits Novak Djokovic against Alexander Zverev, setting the stage for an explosive clash of seasoned competitors.
Keys and Swiatek: Paths to the Semis
Keys’ journey to the semifinals includes wins over past Australian Open finalists Danielle Collins and Elena Rybakina. Her earlier semifinal runs in Melbourne in 2015 and 2022 ended with losses to eventual champions Serena Williams and Ash Barty, respectively.
Swiatek, on the other hand, is chasing her first Australian Open title and sixth Grand Slam overall. Her unmatched consistency and ability to dictate play make her a formidable contender.
Final Thoughts
The semifinals promise a mix of power, finesse, and high-stakes drama. Swiatek’s pursuit of dominance, Keys’ resurgence, Sinner’s precision, and Shelton’s flair all contribute to a captivating narrative. With veterans like Djokovic and Zverev adding gravitas, Melbourne is set for an unforgettable finish.
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