Jannik Sinner Continues to Dominate Ben Shelton, Advances to Australian Open Semifinals
There is one constant in the matches between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton. The American continues to challenge the number two in the world, on his own turf, playing whoever shoots the hardest, in a contest of power and speed that always has only one winner. Jannik Sinner beats Ben Shelton for the ninth consecutive time and reaches the semi-final at the Australian Open for the third year in a row. Waiting for him on Friday is Novak Djokovic again, already beaten last year in the semi-finals at Roland Garros and then at Wimbledon.
The reigning two-time champion beat the American (6-3 6-4 6-4) in two hours and twenty-three minutes, confirming a now consolidated dominance over the left-handed American. After the success of Shanghai 2023, Shelton was no longer able to break even one of the 22 sets played; in Melbourne he never managed to really take command of the match. Sinner managed his rounds of service with authority, closing with the points won with the first serve and without ever conceding a break, canceling all four break points he faced.
Technical Cleanliness and Mental Solidity Make the Difference
Once again, technical cleanliness and mental solidity make the difference: 18 fewer gratuitous errors for the blue (16 against 34). Sinner maintains his unbeaten streak in the Majors against US players (18-0) and extends to 29 consecutive successes against the top 10, excluding the challenges with Alcaraz. With this victory he reaches Medvedev and Wawrinka at nine Slam semi-finals; among active players only Djokovic, Alcaraz and Zverev have more. He also becomes the sixth player in the Open Era to qualify for six consecutive Slam semifinals. His impressive consistency on hard courts also continues in Melbourne: 50 victories in hard Slams in just 60 matches, a milestone that no one had reached so quickly since Federer in 2006.
“It was very tough, as always when we play – he then says in the conference – Ben is an incredible player, every time we face each other it’s an interesting challenge”. The gaze inevitably moves forward. “I’m happy with how I controlled the situation and with the semifinal with Djokovic”, which came after Lorenzo Musetti’s withdrawal. “I followed what happened, even though I was resting before my match,” he says. “It was frustrating for Lorenzo and I really hope it’s nothing serious, because starting the season with an injury is never easy.
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Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
Facing Novak in the best of five sets is always very tough: we know each other well and it will be interesting to see how we manage the match. Sinner also focuses on the differences between day and evening gaming in Melbourne. “During the day, with the heat, the ball bounces more and is more lively. In the evening it’s different, and today there was also wind, but the real change is in the routine: times for sleeping, waking up, preparing. Everyone has to find their own balance.” It is inevitable to return to the semi-final of Melbourne 2024, the turning point of his career.
“When you take a step forward by winning against Novak in a Slam, something changes,” he admits. “But then you have to do it again, and that’s the hardest thing. He still plays at a very high level and it’s amazing to still have him here. I, as a person, remain the same: day by day, one opponent at a time. I don’t want to put extra pressure on myself. I’m happy to play one more semi-final in Australia.” On the sensation of a possible widening of the gap with the rest of the circuit, Sinner remains faithful to his philosophy. “I live in the present. Every match is a challenge and nothing is taken for granted. The season is long, there are great players and many things can change. I just try to do my best.”
Speaking of Djokovic, he highlights his example. “He is the most professional athlete we have. His experience can be seen on the pitch, he knows how to handle every situation. For me he is an inspiration, as are Carlos and the other great players. If you are not professional, you won’t reach this level.” It will therefore once again be Novak Djokovic who will stand in Sinner’s path in the semi-final, as has already happened in the recent past in Paris and London. What followed were matches that entered the collective memory of the sport. For more information, read the full article Here