Australian Open Semi-Finals: Ben Shelton Confident Ahead of Jannik Sinner Clash

Ben Shelton is confident ahead of his Australian Open semi-final clash with Jannik Sinner, saying he's looking forward to the opportunity to test himself against the best.

Jannik Sinner, the world number one and top seed at the Australian Open, is guarding against complacency ahead of his semi-final match against Ben Shelton on Friday. Despite being just two matches away from defending his Grand Slam title, Sinner insists that he is taking nothing for granted. “I've been in these situations already sometimes now,” said the 23-year-old Italian. “But you know, at the end of the day, every match, it starts with 0-0 and you just try to do your best. This is the only thing I can control.”

Sinner's breakthrough season in 2023, which saw him win eight titles including the US Open and ATP Finals, has given him a significant lead over second-ranked Alexander Zverev in the rankings. However, Sinner is aware that past successes count for little in the present, and he is focused on continually improving his game. “If someone plays better than me that day, I can't really do anything,” he said. “We never take things for granted. We are here trying to understand every situation, trying to get better and stronger, and then we see how it goes. Not only here, but also for the rest of the season.”

Sinner's semi-final opponent, Ben Shelton, will be making only his second last-four appearance at a major, having previously reached the semi-finals at the 2023 US Open, where he was beaten by Novak Djokovic. In contrast, Sinner has drawn level with fellow Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli in five Grand Slam singles semi-finals, and has the experience and momentum on his side. Sinner's commanding thrashing of Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals on Wednesday was a reminder of the level he has hit regularly across the past 12 months, and he will be looking to extend his win streak at hardcourt Grand Slam events to 20 matches when he faces Shelton.

With his victory over De Minaur, Sinner extended his win streak at hardcourt Grand Slam events to 19 matches, following his Australian Open title run in 2024 and his triumph at the US Open. This impressive run of form has cemented Sinner's position as one of the dominant forces in men's tennis, and he will be looking to continue his winning ways when he faces Shelton in the semi-finals.

Shelton Sees Opportunity Against Sinner

Ben Shelton, 22, is relishing the opportunity to face Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals. “Obviously, Jannik, defending champion. We know what he's done,” said Shelton. “I'm really looking forward to it. I think that anytime you get to line up against the best in the world is a great opportunity to improve your game and see where you're at, and that's what Friday will be for me.” Shelton's ranking is set to rise to number 14 this week, and a win against Sinner could propel him as high as number five.

The winner of the Sinner-Shelton match will face either 10-time champion Novak Djokovic or second-seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final. Djokovic is targeting a record 25th Grand Slam title, while Zverev is gunning for his first. Djokovic pushed through the pain with his upper left leg taped to beat Carlos Alcaraz in a classic quarter-final. “I'm concerned. I am, to be honest, physically,” he said after taking down the third-seeded Spaniard. “But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I'm as motivated as I can be.”

Djokovic acknowledged that Zverev will be a tough opponent, saying: “I'm playing Zverev, who is in great form, and he is going for his first Grand Slam. I think he loves the conditions. He's got a big serve. He's a super dangerous opponent on this surface against anyone.” Zverev, who has been trying for a decade to win a Grand Slam, is in good touch as he prepares to take the next step in Melbourne. “You're not going to get to the semis of a Grand Slam by not deserving to be there and not playing great tennis,” he said. “So I'm going to prepare myself for a tough battle.”