Australian Open: Jannik Sinner dominates Alex de Minaur to set up meeting with Ben Shelton in Melbourne | Tennis news
Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner dropped just six games as he dominated home favorite Alex de Minaur to enter a semi-final showdown with big hitter Ben Shelton.
The world No. 1, who admitted he struggled during his fourth round battle with Holger Runreturned in top form to destroy De Minaur’s hopes on Rod Laver Arena with a comprehensive 6-3 6-2 6-1 victory.
Sinner produced a ball-striking masterclass to extend his winning streak against the eighth seed from Sydney to 10-0, including the last 20 straight sets.
Shelton survives a four-set, nearly four-hour war of attrition
The swagger, the big game, the colorful celebrations were depicted as Shelton battled to a four-set victory over Lorenzo Sone to reach his second Grand Slam semifinal.
The big-serving American made his breakthrough at the Australian Open two years ago with a run to the quarter-finals on his debut before going one better at the US Open.
The draw at Melbourne Park opened up for the 22-year-old and he took full advantage of it, with his last-gasp 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) victory over unseeded Italian Sonega.
Sonego, ranked 55th and playing in his first Slam quarterfinal, attacked the net repeatedly and threatened to take the contest to a deciding set.
Shelton showed his desire during the tie-break in the fourth set by throwing himself across the court in an attempt to return a volley. After lying stretched out next to the billboards, he showed that he was still struggling with the elevated pressure.
Moments later Shelton roared with delight after booking a place in the final four.
“I’m relieved right now,” the left-hander said. “Shout out to Lorenzo Sonega because it was some funny tennis. I’m really happy to get through, get my first win on Rod Laver Arena. It’s one of my favorite matches of my career.”
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