Australian Open—Melbourne, Australia
Sinner to Face Zverev for 2025 Australian Open Title
Friday’s action at the Australian Open saw top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner race into the finals, defeating No. 21 seed Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.
After a competitive first set, Sinner took his game to another level to oust his American opponent in two hours and 36 minutes.
Hitting eight aces, winning 75 percent of his first serve points, striking 23 winners and breaking serve on six occasions, Sinner improved to 5-1 against Shelton in lifetime meetings.
Shelton, who was appearing in his second career Major semifinal, will move up to No. 14 in the world on Monday.
Sinner’s opponent in the finals will be No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev.
The German reached his third career Grand Slam final after ten-time winner Novak Djokovic was forced to retire with a thigh injury after the first set.
Hitting a forehand volley into the net to hand Zverev the first set, Djokovic quickly approached the net to concede the match.
Djokovic, who also made the semifinals last year losing to Sinner, will move up to No. 6 in the world on Monday. Djokovic has not won a Major since claiming the 2023 US Open over Daniil Medvedev.
Sinner trails Zverev 2-4 in head-to-head lifetime meetings.
Women’s Final Preview
Saturday’s action in Melbourne will feature the women’s final. Top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will face No. 19 seed Madison Keys.
Keys defeated No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) in two hours and 35 minutes in the semifinals, and Sabalenka dismissed No. 11 seed Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2.
The American currently stands at 13-1 on the season, and Sabalenka is a perfect 11-0 in 2025.
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