Jannik Sinner continues Wimbledon charge, downs Ben Shelton in straight sets for semifinal berth

Jannik Sinner ruthlessly overcame an excellent Ben Shelton, advancing directly to the Wimbledon semifinals. From the start of the tournament, Shelton was highlighted as a name to watch, a potential threat to Sinner or Alcaraz, but he couldn't overcome the World No. 1, falling 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4.

The American delivered a good performance, but his opponent was simply too much. Sinner reaches the Wimbledon semifinals for the second time in his career and marks his seventh appearance in the final four of a Grand Slam. He still awaits a potential encounter against Novak Djokovic, who will first face fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli.

There were no significant differences between Sinner and Shelton, though the Italian showed greater efficiency on serve. An 89% first-serve win rate for the World No. 1 against Shelton's 80% meant most of the points were short, a test of nerves for both.

The first set was particularly tight, but without any breaks. It all came down to the tie-break, where Shelton took an early 2-0 lead with a mini-break, but Sinner pulled out the best from his arsenal to win seven consecutive points – including four mini-breaks – and close out the set 7-6(2), surviving a Shelton who at times seemed better positioned than his opponent.

The American secured a couple of opportunities in the first game of the second set but failed to convert them. With strong service games, Shelton managed to keep pace with Sinner, but in moments of greater tension, he appeared more vulnerable. At 3-4, he saved a break point against him, but when the score was 4-5, he faced another break point, and Sinner took the set 6-4.

The advantage was clear for the Italian, who gave no quarter with his powerful serves. The World No. 1 looked more at ease with his first serve – winning 88% of them – while Shelton maintained a consistent 67% on both first and second serves.

Once again, it was the crucial moments that ultimately made the difference. Both held their serves until 5-4 – favoring Sinner. Then, Shelton faced three break points, and the Italian secured the break that gave him the victory: 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals, where he could face Djokovic – just like in the Roland Garros semifinals a month ago, when Sinner claimed the victory in straight sets.