Key Takeaways:

• Defending champion Jannik Sinner defeated Ben Shelton 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2 to reach the Australian Open final.
• Sinner will face Alexander Zverev, who reached his third major final after Novak Djokovic retired during their semifinal match.
• Sinner aims to become the first Italian to win three Grand Slam titles and the youngest player to achieve consecutive Australian Open victories since Jim Courier in 1992-93.

World number one Jannik Sinner continued his impressive form in the Australian Open, defeating American Ben Shelton in the semifinals with a score of 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2. This victory secures Sinner a spot in the final, where he will face Alexander Zverev.

Sinner, who won the Australian Open last season, faced some challenges early in the match. Shelton displayed aggressive play, breaking Sinner's serve and putting pressure on the top seed. However, Sinner demonstrated incredible resilience by fighting back, especially in the first set where he saved two set points before winning a tiebreaker. Following this crucial win, he took control, easily winning the second and third sets, despite experiencing cramps that required medical attention.

After the match, Sinner expressed his relief and happiness, stating, "It was a very tough first set but a very crucial one." He noted that both players faced tension during the game and praised Shelton's performance despite the defeat. This win extends Sinner's remarkable 20-match winning streak, a run that began after his last loss in October 2023.

Sinner, now the youngest player to reach back-to-back Australian Open finals since Jim Courier, has his sights set on his third Grand Slam title. In the final, he will contend with Zverev, who reached the final after a dramatic match where 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was forced to retire due to injury.

As both players prepare for their upcoming final, Sinner will look to utilize his dominance on hard courts, while Zverev aims for his first major title. The final is scheduled for Sunday, promising an exciting showdown between the top two seeds.

For more details about Sinner's journey and upcoming matches, please visit AP News.