Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner dropped just six games as he dominated home favorite Alex de Minaur to set up a semi-final clash with big hitter Ben Shelton.
The world number 1, who admitted he struggled during it Fourth round battle with Holger Runereturned to form to dash De Minaur’s hopes at 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 consecutive sets.
He said of his fitness: “(Tuesday) was a very easy day, I only played half an hour and 40 minutes. I feel like, especially when you’re young, you recover very quickly. I really enjoy sleeping so much tried to rest in the best way possible.
“I have a very experienced team with me, for which I am very grateful and happy (for).
A hopeful crowd tried to lift their man but Sinner was unrepentant and wrapped up victory after just one hour and 48 minutes.
“I feel like I was feeling everything today,” said the 23-year-old. “When you have days like that and break early in every set, it makes it a little bit easier.
“These kinds of matches, they can go quickly, but they can also change very quickly if I go down a bit. I’m very happy with my performance today.”
How Sinner made it to the semi-finals…
De Minaur had a mountain to climb from the outset, with the 25-year-old needing a first win over Sinner to become the first man from his nation to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago.
The early exchanges were encouraging and resembled a game of pinball with some big baseline hits from both players before Sinner broke for a 3-1 lead that set the stage to close out the opening set.
Sinner broke early in the second set, hitting a spectacular cross-arm winner en route to leaving his opponent looking a little demoralized.
The weight of Sinner’s shot is too much for De Minaur, who was without fiancee Katie Boulter in his support camp after she flew home to prepare for her upcoming tour.
Sinner couldn’t come back as he cruised through the first three games of the third set playing lights-out tennis and he quickly wrapped up the match, ending it with a final break of serve.
Looking ahead to his meeting with Shelton on Friday, the Italian said: “I’ve had some very tough matches with him. He’s one of the best servers on the tour and as a lefty he has different ball rotation so hopefully I’m ready and can return as many services as possible”.
Shelton survives a four-set, nearly four-hour battle of wits
Swagging, big game, colorful celebrations were on display as well Shelton battled to a four-set victory over Lorenzo Sonego 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 bettering it at the US Open.
The draw at Melbourne Park has opened up for the 22-year-old and he has taken full advantage, with his latest triumph a 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) victory over unseeded Italian Sonego.
Sonego, ranked 55th and playing in his first Slam quarter-final, attacked the net repeatedly and threatened to take the contest to a deciding set.
Shelton showed his desire during the fourth set tiebreaker by jumping across the court in an attempt to draw a volley. After being stretched out by the ad stacks, he showed he was still in good shape with a press up.
And moments later Shelton was roaring with delight after booking a last four spot.
“I feel relieved now,” said the left-hander. “Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego because it was some funny tennis. I’m so happy to do it, get my first win at Rod Laver Arena. It’s one of my favorite matches of my career.”
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