• Jannik Sinner defeats Ben Shelton in straight sets to reach the Australian Open final.
• Sinner overcomes cramping to secure a 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 victory in the semifinals.
• The final will see Sinner face Alexander Zverev, who advanced after Novak Djokovic's retirement.
• Sinner aims for his third Grand Slam title after winning the US Open and the prior Australian Open.
• The match showcased Sinner's resilience and mental toughness, a notable evolution in his game.

World number one Jannik Sinner continued his impressive quest for a third Grand Slam title with a convincing victory over American 21st seed Ben Shelton, winning 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025 at Melbourne Park. This victory not only propels Sinner into the finals for the second consecutive year but also marks his 20th consecutive win, underlining his dominance on hard courts. The match began with Shelton showcasing his powerful forehand, briefly stumping Sinner, who found himself down set points at 6-5. However, demonstrating remarkable mental resilience, Sinner rallied to break Shelton and clinch the first set in a tiebreak. "It was a very tough first set but crucial," Sinner stated post-match, reflecting on the game's intensity. The first set proved foundational for Sinner's momentum, allowing him to dominate the subsequent sets despite experiencing cramping in the third. With this win, Sinner has become the youngest player since Jim Courier in the early 90s to reach two Australian Open finals. The defending champion will now face second seed Alexander Zverev in what promises to be a thrilling final following Zverev's advancement after Novak Djokovic retired due to injury in their semifinal match. As Sinner prepares for Sunday’s final, he acknowledged the challenges posed by Zverev, stating, "We’ve had some very tough matches in the past. Everything can happen. He's an incredible player looking for a first major." Sinner's tactical adjustments, including his strategic returns and baseline prowess, played a crucial role in neutralizing Shelton's powerful serve. The crowd at the Rod Laver Arena was electrified by the exchanges, especially as Shelton strived to adapt his play. The 23-year-old Italian's successful run in this tournament comes on the heels of victories at the US Open and a commanding hard court season, where he has amassed an impressive 52-3 record since 2024. As he gears up for the final, Sinner's experience and continuous improvement position him as a formidable contender, looking to cement his legacy in the sport. For more details, refer to the original articles from BBC, Reuters, AP News, CNN, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian.