Italy’s Jannik Sinner did not pull any punches (or serves) as he won against Ben Shelton of the US on Friday at the second semifinal of the Australian Open men’s singles event. After Novak Djokovic bowed out of the first Australian Open semifinal earlier in the day due to injury, Alexander Zverev will head to Sunday’s final not as tired as his opponent, Sinner.
Sinner prevailed over Shelton 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 in a game that ended with the American committing two forced errors and one unforced error, clearing the Italian’s way to defend the title.
Jannik Sinner in the match against Ben Shelton | AFP
Number two-seeded Zverev will now face his first major final, which will be against the defending champion. Before this, he was the runner-up two times, if major tennis events are counted. “I’m obviously happy that I have another shot at winning a Grand Slam,” the 27-year-old told media after the match, earlier on Friday.
Alexander Zverev during the match with Novak Djokovic | Reuters
Djokovic conceded the game after he lost the opening set 7-6 (5) to the German, owing to the injury the Serbian suffered from during the quarterfinals.
The Australian Open men’s final is scheduled for Sunday. The women’s final on Saturday could be a stage for history as Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) attempts to take home a hatrick Australian Open title when she goes against Madison Keys of the US.
