Sinner in the semifinals at the 2026 Australian Open, beats Shelton and takes on Djokovic

The match

The beginning of Sinner is more eventful than expected. The Italian struggled to find time on the ball, deceived by the conditions of the Rod Laver Arena, windier than in previous outings. Shelton immediately tries to take advantage of an opening break point, Sinner resists and grows as the points go by. Jannik built one opportunity after another and stole the serve from his opponent in the fourth game, resisting his opponent’s counterbreak attempts. And in the end the scoreboard reads 6-3.

Shelton tries to improve on serve in the second set. He finds more continuity with the first, his most lethal weapon, but Sinner’s response is deep and precise, he falls between the American’s feet and kisses the lines. Shelton gives in in the third game, suffering the break but experiencing an immediate reaction. The world number seven creates two chances for an immediate counterbreak, both canceled by the blue, who resists and goes on automatic pilot. Almost perfect on serve, he no longer concedes anything and also takes home the second set 6-4.

The third partial, however, begins with a ‘yellow’. Sinner puts the towel on his head, he seems to feel physical discomfort, so much so that the corner advises him: “Call the physio”. But no call for Jannik, no break. The blue player returns to grind tennis, taking two break points in the fifth game, both canceled out by Shelton with the serve. The first one keeps the American afloat, but it’s not enough. In the ninth game Sinner gets two more chances and this time he doesn’t forgive, stealing the serve and placing the decisive extension for the third set, which ended with another 6-4. Now yet another generational challenge against Novak Djokovic.