Australian Open: Jannik Sinner dominates Alex de Minaur to set up meeting with Ben Shilton in Melbourne

Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner lost just six games as he dominated home favorite Alex de Minaur to head into a semi-final showdown with big hitter Ben Shilton.

World No. 1, who admitted suffering during his existence Fourth round fight with Holger RöhnDe Minaur returned to his best level to crush De Minaur's hopes at Rod Laver Arena with a comprehensive victory 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.

Sinner put in an impressive volleying performance to extend his winning streak against eighth-seeded Sydney to 10-0, including the last 20 straight sets.

Dominant culprit…

Jannik Sinner now holds a 10-0 head-to-head record against Alex de Minaur at ATP level, with nine of Sinner's wins now coming in straight sets.

Sinner became the second Italian ever to reach the semi-finals of the Grand Slam five times, after Nicola Pietrangeli.

Sinner moved to 20-4 at the Australian Open – the fewest matches with 20 straight men's singles wins at the event since 2000, along with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The Italian (93.8%, 45-3) holds the best win rate at the ATP level while ranked number one, since the rankings were first published in 1973.

Sinner won his 19th consecutive Grand Slam match on hard courts, becoming the youngest player to do so since John McEnroe (1979-81).

Sinner holds a 4-1 head-to-head record against Ben Shilton at ATP level, winning their only previous Grand Slam meeting in straight sets in the fourth round of Wimbledon last year.

He said about his physical condition: “(Tuesday) was a very easy day, I only played for half an hour and 40 minutes. I feel, especially when you are young, you recover very quickly. I really like to sleep so I try.” To rest in the best way possible.

“I have a very experienced team that I am very grateful and happy for. (I realized) immediately that I am ready for today. Let's see what happens now in the semi-finals.”

The fans, who arrived full of hope, tried to lift their player up, but Sinner did not regret it and sealed the victory after only an hour and 48 minutes.

“I feel like I felt everything today,” the 23-year-old said. “When you have days like that and you get broken early in every set, it makes it a little easier.

He added, “Such matches can go quickly, but they can also change very quickly if my level drops a little. I am very happy with my performance today.”

How did Sinner reach the semi-finals?

De Minaur had a mountain to climb from the start, with the 25-year-old needing to secure his first win over Sinner to become the first man from his country to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago.

The early exchanges were encouraging and pinball-like with some powerful shots from both players, before Sinner broke back to take a 3-1 lead to take the opening set.

Sinner broke serve early in the second set, smashing a stunning forehand cross-court all the way down to leave his opponent looking a little frustrated.

The Sinner weight was too much for De Minaur, who was without fiancée Katie Poulter at his support camp after she returned home to prepare for her next tournament.

There was no looking back for Sinner as he cruised through the first three games of the third set, playing lit tennis, finishing quickly and ending the match with a final break of serve.

“I've had some very tough matches with him,” the Italian said, looking ahead to his date with Shilton on Friday. “He's one of the best servers on the tour and as a left-handed player he has a different spin on the ball, so I hope I can be the same.” “Ready and can return as many serves as possible.”

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Shelton survived a war of attrition that lasted four sets and lasted nearly four hours

Showing off, the big game and colorful celebrations were on display Shelton He battled back to a four-set win over Lorenzo Sonego to reach his second Grand Slam semi-final.

The strong-serving American player achieved a major achievement at the Australian Open two years ago when he reached the quarter-finals in his first appearance, before surpassing that in the US Open.

The draw at Melbourne Park opened its doors to the 22-year-old player and he took full advantage of it, as he achieved his last victory with a 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) victory over the unseeded Italian Sonego.

Sonego, ranked 55th and playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, attacked the net repeatedly and threatened to push the match into a deciding set.

Shelton showed his mettle during the fourth set tiebreak by throwing himself across the court in an attempt to win the ball back. After lying on the billboards, he showed that he still fights decently under pressure.

A rare talent…

Since 1988, Ben Shilton has been one of only two left-handed players to have reached the semi-finals of two Grand Slam men's singles tournaments on hard courts alongside Rafael Nadal.

Shelton is one of eight left-handed players during the Open Era to reach the semi-finals of both the Australian Open and US Open after Nadal, Roscoe Tanner, Rod Laver, Guillermo Vilas, Tony Roche, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe.

Shelton is the youngest American to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Moments later, Shelton was roaring with joy after securing a place in the fourth round.

“I feel good now,” the left-hander said. “Hats off to Lorenzo Sonego because that was ridiculous. I'm really happy to qualify, and get my first win at Rod Laver Arena. It's one of my favorite matches of my career.”

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