Jannik Sinner greets the audience after the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
MELBOURNE, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- World number two Jannik Sinner advanced to an Australian Open semifinal against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic after defeating American eighth seed Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday.
The two-time defending champion won 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to record his 19th consecutive victory at the Australian Open.
Sinner was in control throughout against Shelton but now faces a rested Djokovic, who reached the semifinals after a fourth-round walkover and then advanced from the quarterfinals when Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets.
"This is the moment why you practice and I'm looking forward to it," Sinner said of his fifth Grand Slam semifinal against 38-year-old Djokovic.
"We are still lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis at his age. Hopefully, it will be a great battle."
Playing the night session at Rod Laver Arena, Sinner neutralised Shelton's power with his all-court game and sealed the opening set with an ace after 49 minutes.
The Italian consistently had the answers and raised his arms in celebration before turning toward his player's box, expression set, after closing out the match. ■
Jannik Sinner reacts after the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Jannik Sinner hits a return during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Jannik Sinner reacts after the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Jannik Sinner hits a return during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Jannik Sinner serves during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Ben Shelton hits a return during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Ben Shelton reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Ben Shelton reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Ben Shelton reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
Jannik Sinner is seen during the men's singles quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton of the United States and Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)
