Australian Open 2025 results: Jannik Sinner beats Ben Shelton to set up Alexander Zverev final
Shelton, seeking to reach his first Grand Slam final, got off to a confident start when he broke Sinner in the first game of the match – but it was an advantage as the 21st seed came up with a series three games later That advantage was given up after an unforced error.
The 22-year-old Shelton broke serve again to lead 6-5 and successfully held serve, but Sinner’s pursuit forced the game into a tiebreaker and he wasted two set points.
Sinner took control of the match from that point on, winning five straight points to break serve before quickly converting twice in the second service game.
The daunting prospect of facing the top seed and needing to come back from two sets down didn’t stop Shelton from entertaining and captivating the crowd.
The American admirably forced three break points early in the third set. But after they were defeated, Sinner delivered the decisive blow in Game 5, extinguishing Shelton’s hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Although Sinner appeared limping after an awkward landing, he finished the race in five consecutive races and won in 2 hours and 36 minutes.
“I was nervous and I had some minor cramps,” Sinner said afterward.
“These matches can go on for a long time. Three sets in two and a half hours is a long time, so I’m happy to get it done in three sets.”
Sinner’s background in defending Australian Open title is his Ongoing doping casesThe case will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport from April 16, with WADA seeking a ban of one to two years.
