Twenty-two-year-old American Ben Shelton has advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open, surviving Italian Lorenzo Sonego. 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4).
It was Shelton’s second major semifinal appearance, also reaching the In the US Open in half 2023.
Shelton, a left-hander, has a ferocious work ethic and foresight with plenty of confidence and hustle.
He is the only one left to reach the semifinals from the nineteen who started the men’s singles draw this year. Rafael Nadal, who won the title in 2009 again 2022He is the last left to win the title.
In the first round, Shelton broke 3-all, and in the second set, he got a break 4– everything. The American has great versatility with his serves, including his speed and spins, and often left Sonego confused on his returns.
Magic
In 5-4However, Sonego played a brilliant game and broke at the age of fifteen. It was as if the Italian was finding his form, and the crowd came alive.
Shelton got a break back, however, with a crosscourt and long forehand miss by Sonego, and was able to serve out the set with a forehand winner and his ever-reliable forehand.
In the third set, Sonego found his place. The Italian, who plays like Shelton with big serves and forwards, presented his creative style, often serving. & volley and dropshot. In 5-4the Italian broke America.
The fourth set was a battle with both players participating. In the tiebreak, Shelton scored both points on Sonego’s serve 3-2. Sonego then hit a smash for 3– everything. Shelton countered with a big winner, but on the next point, he fell for a shot. He recovered well—with a push and a smile—and then hit a good second recipe and chipped the forehand inside for the win.
For the match, Shelton scored 9 aces and three double faults, while Sonego hit four aces and one double fault.
American hit 54 winners once 33 unforced errors. An Italian hit 63 winners once 55 unforced errors.
In his interview on the court, Shelton said: “I feel free right now, I’m shouting at Lorenzo Sonego because that was funny tennis.
“I’m very happy to win, to get my first win at Rod Laver Arena. Thanks to everyone for coming out, it was one of my favorite games of my career. “
Next up for Shelton is reigning champion and defending champion Jannik Sinner, who beat home hope Alex de Minaur in style: 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.
