Sinner Overcomes Shelton, to Face Zverev in Australian Open Final/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defending champion Jannik Sinner defeated Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 to return to the Australian Open final. Despite early challenges and third-set cramping, Sinner secured his 20th consecutive win and will face Alexander Zverev in the final as he seeks a third Grand Slam title. Shelton, falling short in his second major semifinal, praised Sinner’s resilience.
Jannik Sinner’s Triumph at Australian Open: Quick Looks
- Match Recap: Sinner beat Ben Shelton in straight sets: 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2.
- Early Challenge: Saved two set points to win the first set tiebreak.
- Winning Streak: Extended his streak to 20 matches dating to last season.
- Injury Scare: Managed third-set leg cramping with trainer assistance.
- Grand Slam History: Youngest man since 1992 to make back-to-back Australian Open finals.
- Next Opponent: Faces No. 2 Alexander Zverev in the championship match.
Sinner Overcomes Shelton, to Face Zverev in Australian Open Final
Deep Look
Jannik Sinner’s quest for back-to-back Australian Open titles is alive and well after his commanding semifinal win over American Ben Shelton on Friday. Sinner, the world’s No. 1-ranked player, triumphed 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, battling early challenges, injury concerns, and a spirited opponent to secure his spot in the final. The 23-year-old Italian is now chasing his third Grand Slam title.
Shelton, the 22-year-old American seeded 21st, started strong in the opening set, taking a 6-5 lead and earning two set points while serving. However, Sinner refused to fold, breaking Shelton’s serve and cruising through the subsequent tiebreaker. That critical turnaround shifted the momentum entirely in Sinner’s favor.
“It was a very tough first set, but a very crucial one,” Sinner said, reflecting on the tension-filled opening frame. With this victory, he extended his winning streak to 20 matches, dating back to late 2024.
Sinner dominated the next two sets, controlling the pace and capitalizing on Shelton’s missed opportunities. Shelton lamented his inability to close out the first set, acknowledging the small margin for error against a player of Sinner’s caliber.
“I’ve made my living on tour serving out sets,” Shelton said. “Having two set points at 6-5 and not closing—it’s uncharacteristic for me. Against the No. 1 player in the world, you can’t miss your window.”
Despite Shelton’s potential, Sinner’s poise and versatility shone through, even as he dealt with physical discomfort. The Italian required treatment during the final set, with a trainer massaging both his left hamstring and right thigh during changeovers. However, the injury didn’t prevent him from closing out the match in two hours and 30 minutes.
The victory makes Sinner the youngest player since Jim Courier in 1992-93 to reach consecutive Australian Open finals. He secured his first Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park last year and followed it with a U.S. Open title in September. Both triumphs came shortly after he was cleared in a doping case, a decision currently under appeal with a hearing scheduled for April.
Awaiting Sinner in Sunday’s final is Alexander Zverev, the world’s No. 2. Zverev reached his third Grand Slam final after Novak Djokovic retired due to injury in their semifinal. Sinner knows the challenge ahead, describing Zverev as “an incredible player” hungry for his first major title.
“Everything can happen,” Sinner said. “There’s going to be, again, a lot of tension.”
With two major titles already under his belt, Sinner enters the final with a chance to cement his legacy further. Meanwhile, Shelton, though disappointed, reaffirmed his determination to continue competing at the highest level, believing his own breakthrough is within reach.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.