Jannik Sinner has overcome his physical problems and easily reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open against local hero Alex de Minaur. There he will meet Ben Shelton on Friday.
After less than two hours, Sinner converted his match point to 6:3, 6:2, 6:1 and moved into the semi-finals in Melbourne for the second time. “I just felt it and I’m very happy with my performance. Yesterday was a quiet day and when you’re young, you regenerate very quickly,” said the Italian after a sparkling performance against the world number eight.
Sinner overcomes physical problems
In his agonizing four-set win over Rune in the round of 16, Sinner appeared to be severely weakened at times. When he changed sides, his whole body was clearly shaking.
Before the game against de Minaur, rumors were circulating in Melbourne about possible pneumonia for the Italian – but he was in good form right from the start. De Minaur seemed overwhelmed and posed no threat to the world number one, who wants to grab his third Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
Ben Shelton is waiting in the semifinals
In the semifinals, Sinner will face Ben Shelton as the favorite. Shelton finished the tournament with crowd favorite Gael Monfils in the round of 16 and won many fans with his respectful manner. Now he made it into the top four in Melbourne for the first time. “I feel relieved, it was some absurd tennis,” said Shelton.
The US professional won his quarterfinal against the Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6:4, 7:5, 4:6, 7:6 (7:4). At 22 years, 109 days old, Shelton is the fifth-youngest U.S. player to reach the top four in Melbourne.