The stage is set for the 2025 Australian Open semifinals. The latest matches have determined the contenders, with one American, 22-year-old Ben Shelton, advancing in the men’s singles.
Shelton, seeded No. 21, secured a hard-fought victory in the quarterfinals against underdog Lorenzo Sonego, prevailing in a tense 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) battle. The match showcased the competitive spirit of both players, with each set fiercely contested, culminating in a thrilling tiebreak. Sonego, currently ranked 55th in the world, had impressed throughout the tournament with his remarkable performances.
Despite Sonego’s exceptional play, it was Shelton who emerged victorious on Wednesday. Building on his steady progress in recent years, Shelton appears poised to make a significant impact on the ATP tour and potentially climb up the rankings.
On the other hand, top seed Jannik Sinner, the defending Australian Open champion, had a more straightforward path to the semifinals, defeating No. 8 seed Alex de Minaur in a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory in under two hours.
As Shelton prepares for his second Grand Slam semifinal and first Australian Open semifinal, he faces a daunting challenge against world No. 1 Sinner. Despite Sinner’s unbeaten record against American opponents in Grand Slam events, Shelton remains determined to secure a historic win and advance to his maiden Grand Slam final.
If Shelton overcomes this hurdle, he will potentially face either Novak Djokovic or Alexander Zverev in the final, depending on the outcome of their semifinal clash on Friday.
Earlier on Wednesday, American No. 12 seed Madison Keys booked her spot in the semifinals, where she will meet No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek. In the other women’s semifinal matchups, top seed Aryna Sabalenka will take on No. 11 Paula Badosa.