Sinner stuns Shelton to advance in Melbourne

Jannik Sinner convincingly fought off the big game of Ben Shelton to humble the American 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday, taking his place in a third consecutive semi-final at the Australian Open.

The winner of the previous two editions in Melbourne will face Novak Djokovic after winning their last five meetings. The pair will be playing in the final four of a Grand Slam for a fourth time.

The 38-year-old Serb  booked his spot as quarter-finals after opponent Lorenzo Musetti had to quit injured after winning the first two sets of their match.

“These are the moments you practice for,” Sinner said. “If you want to win you have to play against the best/

“Playing these kinds of matches improves you as a player and a person. Novak is playing incredible tennis for his age (38). Hopefully it will be a great battle out there.”

World No. 2 Sinner continued his career domination of Shelton. winning their last eight matches in straight sets.

The Italian from the German-speaking north has not lost to either an American or a left hander since Shelton beat him at 2023 Shanghai.

 Sinner will be competing in his sixth consecutive major semi-final when he takes on 24-time Grand Slam singles champion Djokovic.