Canberra: Jannik Sinner beat American Ben Shelton in straight sets, 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2, reaching the Australian Open final.
World No. 1 Sinner continues his dominance, advancing to his third consecutive hard-court Grand Slam final.
Early Challenges in the First Set
Both players battled leg issues during the match, requiring medical attention for cramping and muscle tightness.
Shelton broke Sinner in the opening game, creating early momentum for the 22-year-old American.
Sinner broke back to level the set at 2-2 but struggled briefly with Shelton’s aggression and shot selection.
Shelton had set point opportunities at 6-5 but failed to close, allowing Sinner to force a tiebreak.
The Italian dominated the tiebreak, securing it 7-2 and taking an important lead in the match.
Sinner Gains Control in the Second Set
In the second set, two early breaks gave Sinner a comfortable lead, allowing him to dictate play.
Shelton struggled to convert chances, while Sinner remained consistent with his aggressive shot-making and movement.
The defending champion’s composure helped him extend his lead, wrapping up the second set with ease.
Shelton Fights Back but Falls Short in the Third
Shelton created three break opportunities in the final set but failed to capitalize on them.
Sinner broke Shelton twice in quick succession, firmly controlling the match’s closing moments.
The Italian maintained focus despite physical challenges, ending the match in straight sets without significant setbacks.
Praise and Reflection Post-Match
Sinner praised Shelton’s effort and noted the importance of maintaining aggression throughout the match.
“First sets are always critical,” said Sinner. “Winning gave me the confidence to push forward.”
Sinner admitted to experiencing cramps but adjusted his tactics to manage the match efficiently.
A Grand Final Awaits
Sinner will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final after Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
The Italian acknowledged Zverev’s skill and motivation, predicting a challenging and intense match.
“We’ve had tough battles before. He’s incredible and hunting for his first Grand Slam,” Sinner noted.
Sinner expressed excitement about reaching another final, calling Sunday “a special day” in any tournament.
As Sinner seeks his third hard-court major title, fans anticipate a high-stakes final between two exceptional competitors.
