Melbourne, Australia: Defending champion Jannik Sinner showcased his resilience and skill by defeating Ben Shelton in straight sets, winning 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals of the Australian Open. Sinner’s victory not only secured his spot in the final but also marked his place as the youngest man to reach successive finals at the Australian Open since Jim Courier in the early 1990s. The match unfolded on Rod Laver Arena, where Sinner faced an early challenge as Shelton applied pressure with a potent forehand and aggressive gameplay. Despite an impressive start from Shelton, who broke Sinner early in the match, Sinner turned the tide in a closely contested first set. After falling behind, Sinner managed to save set points and claimed the tie-break decisively, boosting his confidence for the subsequent sets. “It was a very tough first set but crucial,” stated Sinner, acknowledging the tense moments that marked the beginning of the match. Following this pivotal moment, Sinner took control, exhibiting his characteristic dominance on hard courts. The match was not without its challenges, as both players dealt with leg injuries; Sinner notably experienced cramping in the third set, necessitating treatment from a trainer. Nonetheless, he pressed on, showcasing remarkable endurance and tactical prowess throughout the game. With this victory, Sinner extended his winning streak to 20 matches and heads into the final against Alexander Zverev, who advanced after Novak Djokovic's unexpected retirement due to injury. Zverev, who is still seeking his first major title, poses a significant challenge in this high-stakes final. Sinner, who has already claimed titles at the US Open and other prestigious tournaments recently, expressed optimism about his upcoming match, stating, “Sundays are special days in tournaments, and I’m hoping to enjoy it.” As the anticipation builds, tennis fans are looking forward to a thrilling showdown this Sunday in what promises to be an electrifying final. Source: AP News, The Guardian, BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, Reuters.