Australian Open 2025: Defending champion Sinner outclasses Shelton to set up men's title clash with Zverev
Jannik Sinner registered three straight sets victory over Ben Shelton - 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 in order to set up a title clash with German star Alexander Zverev, who received a walkover after Novak Djokovic withdrew from the match due to leg injury.
FollowThe World No.1 Jannik Sinner has continued his quest to defend his Australian Open title as the Italian star defeated Ben Shelton of the USA in the semifinal of the men’s singles at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday, January 24.
Jannik Sinner registered three straight sets victory over Ben Shelton - 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 in order to set up a title clash with German star Alexander Zverev, who received a walkover after Novak Djokovic withdrew from the match due to leg injury. Sinner failed a hurdle in the opening set as Shelton pushed him to a tiebreak. However, the Italian maintained composure and clinched the first set of the semifinal clash.
In the next two sets, Sinner used his baseline approach tactic to dominate Ben Shelton, breaking his serve several times with accuracy and powerful groundstrokes. Shelton seemed to have almost drained out of energy and lost his rhythm, which gave an advantage to Jannik Sinner to dictate the pace of the match and cruise to a convincing victory in order to enter his third Grand Slam final of his career.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2025
Speaking during the on-court interview, Sinner admitted that the first set was tough but at the same time it was very crucial for him to set the tone to win the next two sets of the match. He added that he was happy with the way he handled the situation in the tiebreak.
“It was a very tough first set but very crucial. I felt he was not serving at his best today. The percentage was not where he would have wanted it at. I think we both returned better than we served.” the Italian said.
“First sets are always very important. It gives you a lot of confidence and there was a lot of tension for both of us. I am very happy with how I handled the situation today." he added.
Throughout his Australian Open campaign, Jannik Sinner has been in incredible form as he has lost just two sets across six matches in the tournament. The 23-year-old Italian was among the hot favourites alongside Novak Djokovic to get hold of the Norman Brookes Challenger Cup. With Djokovic withdrawing from the semifinal clash against Alexander Zverev, Sinner emerged as the clear frontrunner for the title, given his dominant performances throughout the tournament.
Last year was the breakthrough season for Jannik Sinner as he clinched two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open. He won a total of eight ATP titles, including Tour Finals, and ended the season as World No.1.
Jannik Sinner will look to defend his Australian title when he takes on Alexander Zverev in the much-anticipated title clash at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, January 26.
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