Brilliant Ben Shelton reaches second Grand Slam semi-final at Australian Open

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 at 09:43

Ben Shelton is into a second Grand Slam semi-final after defeating Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday at the Australian Open. The 22-year-old American who reached the semi's on home soil at the US Open in 2023 is two wins away from the title in Melbourne.

Shelton saw off Sonego in four sets after seemingly looking destined to get it done in straight sets. He sealed it 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) going into the early evening.

He is the second active American to reach multiple major semi-finals this following his compatriot Frances Tiafoe. While Tommy Paul who lost himself in the Quarter-Finals to Alexander Zverev has also reached the semi's in Melbourne.

As per the ATP and their Infosys Stats, they played an incredible 139 net points. After both created multiple break point chances in each of the first two sets, there were no break points until the third when Shelton lost his final service game to hand Sonego a sudden set.

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He reacted well to dropping the third. In the fourth, he crucially saved a break point after it seemed to be swinging in favour of Sonego. He bided his tie before heading into the tie-break to seal the win. Next up is either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur in Friday's semi-finals. He joked post match that if it is De Minaur, the fans have every right to boo.

“I feel relieved right now, shoutout to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis,” said Shelton in his on-court interview. “I’m just really happy to be through, to get my first win on Rod Laver Arena. Thanks everybody for coming out, it was one of my favourite matches of my career.

“If it’s the home favourite Alex de Minaur [in the semi-finals], you guys can boo me, throw stuff at my head.. I understand. If it’s the No. 1 in the world [Jannik Sinner], it’ll probably be the same, so I’m looking forward to it. I know I got a few in the crowd who are going to be pulling for me too.”

Ben Shelton hitting a quick push-up mid match 😂 pic.twitter.com/h7fqxBpNxO
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2025

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

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