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.
First Set
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.
Second Set
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.
Third Set
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.
Match Statistics Sinner vs. Shelton
| Sinner | VS | Shelton |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 7 | Aces | 14 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 6 |
| 65% (56/86) | 1st Service Percentage | 59% (60/101) |
| 89% (50/56) | 1st Service Points Won | 80% (48/60) |
| 67% (20/30) | 2nd Service Points Won | 41% (17/41) |
| 100% (2/2) | Break Points Saved | 60% (3/5) |
| 100% (16/16) | Service Games | 88% (14/16) |
| Return | ||
| 20% (12/60) | 1st Return Points Won | 11% (6/56) |
| 59% (24/41) | 2nd Return Points Won | 33% (10/30) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 15m | Match Duration | 2h 15m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
