Australian Open: Shelton Defeats Sonego for Semifinal Spot

Synopsis

Ben Shelton, the American tennis prodigy, has advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open after a thrilling win against Lorenzo Sonego. This marks his second Grand Slam semifinal, and he is now just two victories away from clinching the title in Melbourne.

Key Takeaways

Ben Shelton reaches his second Grand Slam semifinal.
He defeated Lorenzo Sonego in a thrilling match.
Shelton showcases effective baseline patience and powerful forehand.
He awaits either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur in the semifinals.
Potential rise in ATP rankings with a victory.

Melbourne, Jan 22 (NationPress) American rising star Ben Shelton, following an exciting victory over Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday, has advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open, marking his second career Grand Slam semifinal appearance.

The 22-year-old athlete, who made it to the semifinals at his home Grand Slam in 2023, is just two wins away from claiming the title in Melbourne after securing a 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) triumph at Rod Laver Arena.

Shelton is now the second active American man to achieve multiple major semifinal appearances, following Frances Tiafoe, and the second active American to reach the Australian Open semifinals after Tommy Paul, as reported by ATP.

His patience from the baseline proved effective in the initial two sets, as Shelton skillfully selected his moments to unleash his left-handed forehand and conclude points at the net.

One of the match's highlights came early in the second set when Sonego saved a break point with a diving drop volley that spun back onto his side of the net. A visibly astonished Shelton extended a handshake as Sonego received applause from the crowd.

Despite both competitors having numerous break point opportunities in the first two sets, there were no break points in the third set until Shelton dropped his final service game, allowing his opponent to take the set.

In the fourth set, it seemed the match was tilting in Sonego's favor, but Shelton made a crucial break point save in the sixth game, halting any momentum shift. The 22-year-old then capitalized during the tie-break to secure his victory.

The American now awaits either defending champion Jannik Sinner or local favorite Alex de Minaur in the semifinals on Friday.

"If I face the home favorite Alex de Minaur in the semifinals, feel free to boo me or throw things at me... I completely understand. If it’s the world No. 1, Jannik Sinner, it’ll likely be the same, and I’m looking forward to it. I know I have some support in the crowd too," Shelton remarked.

Having risen six places to No. 14 in this week’s ATP Live Rankings, Shelton could ascend as high as No. 5 should he secure his first Grand Slam title.