Defending champion Jannik Sinner marched into the Australian Open final by blasting past American Ben Shelton 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2 on Friday. The Italian, 23, will meet second seed Alexander Zverev, who progressed when Novak Djokovic withdrew injured during their semi-final meeting.
Top-ranking Italian Sinner, however, found it tricky to get started, saving two set points before powering through the tiebreak. He then asserted his control as he cruised through the next two sets in two hours and 36 minutes on Rod Laver Arena, despite suffering cramp late in the match.
Earlier, the 37-year-old Djokovic left the tournament after Steffi defeated the first set 7-6 (7/5). His left leg was heavily taped, and his exit ended any chance of him capturing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic suggested this might be his last Australian Open, but added, “If I’m fit, healthy and motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come back.”
Sinner, who is seeking to defend his first Grand Slam title from 2024, has now won five of his six meetings with Shelton. It is Zverev’s first Australian Open final — both players are seeking glory in Sunday’s championship match.
