Fri Jan 24 21:40:23 UTC 2025: ## Sinner Edges Shelton to Reach Australian Open Final
**MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)** — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner battled through leg cramps and a tense first set to defeat American Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 in the Australian Open semifinals on Friday. The victory sends Sinner back to the final, where he’ll aim for his third Grand Slam title.
The 23-year-old Italian, defending champion at Melbourne Park, faced a tough challenge from the 22-year-old Shelton, who pushed Sinner to the brink in the opening set. Sinner saved two set points at 6-5 before breaking Shelton’s serve and dominating the tiebreak. He then broke again early in the second set to seize control of the match.
Despite briefly requiring medical attention for cramping in both legs during the third set, Sinner maintained his composure and cruised to victory. He credited his ability to manage the pressure in a match he described as having “a lot of tension.” The win extends Sinner’s winning streak to 20 matches.
Shelton, who reached the semifinals at the 2023 US Open, expressed disappointment at not capitalizing on his opportunities, particularly the two set points he missed in the first set. “The chances, the windows, are always small,” he reflected.
Sinner’s triumph makes him the youngest player to reach consecutive Australian Open finals since Jim Courier in 1992-93. He’ll face Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final, after Zverev’s opponent, Novak Djokovic, retired injured from their semifinal. Sinner acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Everything can happen. He’s an incredible player… There’s going to be, again, a lot of tension.” The match will mark Zverev’s third major final, while Sinner will be vying for his third Grand Slam title.
First Piper 