Ben Shelton reached the semifinals at the 2025 Australian Open after defeating Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils and Lorenzo Sonego in sequence. The American ace has grown considerably compared to last year from all points of view and seems ready to achieve a very prestigious result even in a Grand Slam tournament.
ADVERTISEMENT
The current world number 20 will certainly not start as a favorite against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, despite defeating the Italian champion in their first official clash at the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters.
The world No.1 prevailed in the next four matches without losing a single set and his performance against Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals was truly impressive. After having some physical difficulties against Rune in the round of 16, the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is back to 100% and will be the man to beat in the final weekend of the Happy Slam.
The American player will have to put in a perfect performance to achieve the feat and access Sunday's final, also hoping for a day that is not particularly inspired by the 2-time Grand Slam champion.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shelton wants to keep dreaming
During his last press conference, Ben revealed his feelings before the match against Sinner at Melbourne Park: I think its a calculated risk. You have to choose your moments, still be confident in the things that you trust, I dont think Ill be redlining.
If anything, Ive been, in terms of my baseline play, a bit more conservative this tournament, okay with going deep in rallies. Probably have to step that up a little bit in the semifinals.
Shelton continued: But I dont think that redlining would be the term. I think that a more aggressive game style, thats taking the ball a little earlier or serve and volleying more or taking the first ball line and running in instead of, you know, hitting five or six forehands in a row.
ADVERTISEMENT
I think that Im figuring out ways to make guys uncomfortable without just playing at my upper limits and slapping.
