Sinner staying focused and cautious ahead of his semi-final clash with Shelton
Jannik Sinner (23) emphasizes that he is not taking anything for granted as he approaches his semi-final match at the Australian Open. The world number one is committed to continuously improving and becoming "better and stronger."
The Italian top seed is set to compete against Ben Shelton on Friday, just two matches away from successfully defending his Grand Slam title, which he won for the first time in Melbourne last year.
This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable season for Sinner, during which he secured eight titles, including the US Open and ATP Finals, significantly widening the gap between himself and the second-ranked Alexander Zverev.
Sinner has now matched the legendary Italian player Nicola Pietrangeli by reaching five Grand Slam singles semi-finals, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations.
Shelton, the 21st seed from the United States, is making only his second appearance in a major semi-final, having previously reached this stage at the 2023 US Open, where he lost to the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic.
"I have encountered these situations a few times now," Sinner remarked. "However, at the end of the day, every match begins at 0-0, and I strive to perform my best.
This is the only aspect I can control. If someone outplays me on that day, there is little I can do. We never take anything for granted. We are here to analyze every situation, aiming to improve and grow stronger, and then we will see how it unfolds, not just here but throughout the entire season."
Sinner's dominant victory over Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals on Wednesday served as a reminder of the high level he has consistently maintained over the past year, despite facing health challenges in his fourth-round match.
With the win against De Minaur, Sinner has extended his winning streak at hardcourt Grand Slam events to 19 matches, following his title run at the Australian Open in 2024 and his success at the US Open.
As for Shelton, who is a year younger at 22, he remains undaunted and intends to savor the experience. "Of course, Jannik is the defending champion, and we are aware of his accomplishments," Shelton stated.
I am eagerly anticipating the event. Competing against the best players in the world presents an invaluable opportunity to enhance one's skills and assess one's current level of play, and that is precisely what Friday represents for me.
Having risen six positions to rank 14 in the live standings this week, Shelton has the potential to ascend as high as fifth should he secure his first Grand Slam title.
The victor of that match will face either the ten-time champion Djokovic or the second-seeded Zverev in the final on Sunday.
Both players are set to compete on Friday, with Djokovic aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title to surpass Margaret Court, while Zverev seeks his inaugural title.
Djokovic, despite battling through pain with his upper left leg taped, managed to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final, raising questions about whether the 37-year-old can recover sufficiently to challenge Zverev.
"I have concerns. I am, to be honest, physically," he remarked following his victory over the third-seeded Spaniard.
"However, if I can find a way to be physically fit, I believe my mental and emotional motivation is at its peak.
"I am up against Zverev, who is in excellent form and pursuing his first Grand Slam. He thrives in these conditions, possesses a powerful serve, and is a formidable opponent on this surface."
Zverev has been striving for a decade to clinch a Grand Slam title and is in fine form as he prepares to advance in Melbourne.
"You do not reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam without deserving it and playing exceptional tennis," he stated.
"Therefore, I will ready myself for a challenging contest."
SportsLigue