Jannik Sinner Set to Battle Alexander Zverev in Australian Open Final

Vegas Tennis Team
4 Min Read

MELBOURNE, Australia — In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, defending champion Jannik Sinner fought through third-set cramps to defeat Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 on Friday. With this victory, Sinner makes his way back to the Australian Open final, aiming to secure his third Grand Slam title.

At just 23 years old, Sinner, the No. 1 seed from Italy, faced early pressure in the opening set, nearly falling behind as Shelton served at 6-5. However, Sinner managed to break his opponent’s serve, subsequently dominating the tiebreaker and seizing control to start the second set strong.

“The first set was incredibly challenging, but it was also pivotal,” Sinner reflected, as he extended his remarkable winning streak to 20 matches dating back to late last year.

On the other side of the net, Shelton, a 22-year-old American, now holds a record of 0-2 in Grand Slam semifinals.

“I know I’m on the brink,” he acknowledged. “I can feel that my game is so close to breaking through.”

Sinner described the encounter against the 21st-seeded Shelton amidst the fervent atmosphere of Melbourne Park as “filled with a lot of tension.”

“I’m truly pleased with how I managed the circumstances today,” he expressed.

Throughout the 2 1/2-hour contest in Rod Laver Arena, Sinner faced minimal challenges aside from some muscle discomfort in his left hamstring and right thigh, for which he received treatment during changeovers.

By reaching the finals, Sinner has become the youngest man to appear in consecutive Australian Open finals since Jim Courier in 1992-93. Interestingly, Courier conducted Sinner’s post-match interview on Friday.

Having captured his first major title at Melbourne Park last year and added another at the U.S. Open in September, Sinner is eager to expand his trophy collection, even as he navigates a doping appeal that remains unresolved, with a hearing slated for April.

On Sunday, Sinner will attempt to add to his accolades as he takes on No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev in the championship match.

Zverev reached his third major final, albeit with a record of 0-2 so far, following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal due to a leg injury after just one set in their semifinal on Friday.

“Anything can happen; he’s an exceptional player,” Sinner shared about Zverev. “He’s also striving for his first major title. The pressure will certainly be intense.”

Shelton, reflecting on the match, lamented the missed opportunity to secure the initial set.

“I’ve built my career on serving out sets successfully. Having two set points at 6-5, it felt uncharacteristic of me not to capitalize,” explained Shelton, who reached the semifinals at the 2023 U.S. Open. “Of course, you’re playing against the world’s No. 1. These opportunities are rare, and sometimes you miss your moment while your opponent raises their level.”

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