Wed Jan 22 15:52:41 UTC 2025: ## American Upstart Shelton Aims to Topple Sinner in Australian Open Semifinal

**Melbourne, Australia** – Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old American rising star, is set to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals on Friday. Shelton, who powered his way into the last four with a thrilling four-set victory over Lorenzo Sonego, will attempt to break Sinner’s undefeated 14-0 record against Americans in Grand Slam tournaments.

Sinner, the defending champion, cruised to victory in his quarterfinal match against Alex de Minaur, showcasing the dominance that has seen him win 19 consecutive matches at hardcourt majors. Analysts believe Shelton’s chances hinge on his serve, suggesting he needs to hit over 25 aces to overcome Sinner’s consistent and powerful game. Former world No. 4 James Blake emphasized the need for Shelton to vary his serve, preventing Sinner from anticipating his powerful deliveries.

Shelton himself acknowledges the need to improve his serving consistency after his quarterfinal win, highlighting the importance of adapting his game on the fly. A win would not only propel Shelton to his second Grand Slam final but also catapult him into the top 10 rankings. His success adds to a strong showing for American men’s tennis, with several players making deep runs in the tournament.

Shelton also used his post-match press conference to criticize some Australian broadcasters for what he termed embarrassing and disrespectful interviews, citing instances of unprofessional conduct towards players. He called for more positivity and support from commentators, emphasizing the need to foster a positive environment for athletes competing at the highest level. The semifinal clash promises to be a compelling matchup between a seasoned champion and a young challenger seeking to make history.

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