World no. 1 Jannik Sinner will seek the Australian Open title defense on Sunday! The Italian ousted Ben Shelton 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-final at Rod Laver Arena, earning his 20th consecutive hard-court Major win and arranging the title clash against Alexander Zverev.
Shelton fought well in the opening set, building an early advantage and generating another in the closing stages. A left-hander wasted two set points on serve in the 12th game and missed a massive opportunity to forge an early advantage.
Jannik survived and played well in the tie break to gain a massive boost. World no. 1 controlled the pace in sets two and three, moving over the top and reaching his third Major final at 23.
The best form of defence? All-out-attack.
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Ben made a reliable start and broke the defending champion in the first game of the duel. He saved a break point in the second game to cement the lead and settle into a fine rhythm. Jannik kept his composure and pulled the break back in game four, leveling the score at 2-2.
The American saved two break points in the sixth game and raised his level. Shelton made another push on the return in the 11th game and scored a break that sent him closer to the opener. He wasted two set points on serve at 6-5 and experienced a massive setback.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Italian pulled the break back and introduced a tie break. World no. 1 gained a boost and claimed it 7-2 after a flawless tennis. Sinner clinched back-to-back breaks at the beginning of the second set. The defending champion served well in games four, six and eight.
He clinched the second part of the duel 6-2 and moved closer to the finish line. Jannik struggled a bit in the opening games of the third set. He saved break points and grabbed a break at 2-2 that sent him closer to the finish line.
The Italian held at love for 4-2 and provided a break at love a few minutes later that sent him a step away from a place in the final. Sinner held at 30 in the eighth game, sealing the deal in style and reaching his third final at the previous five Majors.
Tennis World USA