Jannik Sinner is into a third-straight Australian Open semi-final, having beaten Ben Shelton with remarkable ease.
It was yet another stunning display from the Italian, who breezed through the match in straight sets.
In doing so, he has set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic, who will feel lucky to still be in the competition after Lorenzo Musetti’s injury forced him to retire mid-match.
Speaking after his fine win over Shelton, Jannik Sinner looked ahead to that clash, whilst also taking time to highlight the traits that make the American such a unique and difficult opponent for many, though not for him.
Jannik Sinner reacts after beating Ben Shelton at the Australian Open
He began by praising Shelton, admitting: “It is very tough to play against Ben. He has a huge, huge serve, and I feel like he is improving so much year after year, especially after the off-season. You never know how certain players are going to play against you, and changing a lot of things.
“I am very happy about today’s performance. As always, thanks for the support. It is always amazing to play on here on this court, and now we will see what is coming.”
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He would hone in on that explosive serve, adding: “Honestly, I don’t know [how I return it]. It’s just instinct and not always the power matters.
“The serves that I can handle are a little bit closer to my body are slightly easier. But it’s a bit of a different service. He is a lefty, and we don’t have many lefties in our game, so it is definitely one of the toughest challenges to return his serve.
“Also, the second serve comes with a lot of spin and the ball is bouncy here. It helps playing in the evening a little bit, as the ball is a bit less bouncy, but it’s difficult. I feel like I returned great today.”
Sinner would then add a crucial update on his physical condition: “I was struggling. We go day by day. I had a great win a couple of days ago against a fellow Italian, which gives you a good confidence boost. Today I felt I was moving a little bit better; I felt I recovered physically again.
“I am very happy and now in the semis again. I am very happy to be in the semis of the first tournament of the season. We all know the challenge I am up to, but I look forward to a good match.”
Jannik Sinner previews his match against Novak Djokovic
Before Musetti’s withdrawal, he was two-sets-to-love up, and Djokovic was heading out of the Australian Open with a whimper.
That was, until an injury occurred from seemingly nowhere, forcing the Italian to take a medical time-out before emotionally cutting the match short.
Sinner, speaking ahead of his upcoming Australian Open semi-final against Djokovic, insisted he would not take him lightly.
He claimed: “These are the moments you practice for. You wake up in the morning and look forward to playing a good match. If you want to win, you have to play at your best. I am looking forward to it. Also, in the past, I have had great lessons. It doesn’t really matter the result. It improves you as a person. We are still lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis at his age.
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“Also, we play for you guys, but we also play for us, and hopefully it’s going to be a great battle out here, and then we will see. It is going to be very, very difficult.”
The five-time Grand Slam champion concluded with some words on Carlos Alcaraz’s semi-final against Alexander Zverev: “I feel like when you are playing the same day, you go with your own schedule and have to warm up beforehand, so of course you follow the score, but we have one opponent at a time.
“It is hopefully going to be a great couple of semi-finals. We are all happy to be here and hopefully it’s going to be a great Friday.”
