Sinner Defeats De Minaur and Sets Up Semifinal Clash with Shelton at the Australian Open


Italian Jannik Sinner brushed aside concerns about his health with an impressive victory over Australian Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.



Sinner, a two-time champion, had faced serious challenges in the previous round against Denmark's Holger Rune, where he required a lengthy medical timeout, appeared visibly shaky, and admitted afterward that he wasn't feeling well.


The intense heat also played a role. However, after more than 48 hours and a significant drop in temperatures, Sinner returned to form and defeated De Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.


Speaking about his health, Sinner said: "Tuesday was an extremely easy day. I only played for half an hour, maybe 40 minutes. I feel that, especially being young, I recover quickly. I really love sleeping, so I try to rest in the best way possible."


He added, "I have a highly experienced team, and I am extremely grateful and happy about that. I quickly realized I was ready for today's match. Let's see what happens in the semifinals."


This was perhaps the biggest match of De Minaur's career, as the Australian reached the quarterfinals of this tournament for the first time. However, it turned out to be a familiar story.


De Minaur had lost all his previous nine matches against Sinner, winning only one set, and was unable to challenge the Italian, who will now face American Ben Shelton in the semifinals.


Earlier in the day, Ben Shelton defeated Italian Lorenzo Sonego to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career.


According to the British news agency PA Media, Shelton’s breakout moment began at the Australian Open two years ago when he reached the quarterfinals in his debut appearance, later surpassing that feat at the US Open.


The draw at the Australian Open opened opportunities for the 22-year-old Shelton, which he fully seized, defeating Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) in the quarterfinals of the tournament.