Ben Shelton starstruck after Jannik Sinner greets him ahead of their Australian Open semifinal
Jannik Sinner congratulated Ben Shelton and consoled countryman Lorenzo Sonego after Australian Open 2025 quarterfinals.
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Ben Shelton was starstruck (via Vogue and X)
In the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, Ben Shelton faced Lorenzo Sonego, winning 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7(7)-6(4). The match, lasting nearly three hours, and also showcased Shelton’s powerful serve and athleticism. The highlight of this match was in the second set when Sonego executed a diving spinning backhand volley, earning applause from both his opponent and the crowd.
This victory propelled the 22-year-old American into his first Australian Open semifinal, where he will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. This will be the sixth meeting on court between the Italian and the American. Between them, Sinner has won the previous four matches in straight sets, while Shelton won on their first encounter at the Shanghai Masters 2023.
In a video shared by Eurosport, Jannik Sinner could be seen congratulating his upcoming opponent Ben Shelton on his quarterfinal victory, at a gym. Sinner also consoled his countryman Lorenzo Sonego after his loss today. He is then seen shaking hands with Shelton.
After greeting him with delight, Shelton can be seen making rather serious facial expressions once Sinner retreats. Sinner then pats Sonego on the shoulder. Sinner has been praised for this gesture with it being called a class act.
Jannik Sinner congratulates Ben Shelton, who he’s facing next, on his win at Australian Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2025
He also consoles his countryman Lorenzo Sonego after his loss today.
The world #1 is a class act through & through. ❤️🦊
pic.twitter.com/6Lx1bQ8sQ6
Sonego’s match with Shelton marked his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Sonego is presently ranked 55, with his highest career ranking being 21. He was a part of the Italian team, along with Jannik Sinner that won the Davis Cup in 2023.
The Australian Open 2025 semifinalists
Jannik Sinner will be looking to defend his title, winning his third Grand Slam. Meanwhile Shelton has won two singles titles on the ATP Tour, and reached two Grand Slam semifinals at the 2023 US Open and at the 2025 Australian Open. At the 2023 US Open, he was defeated by Novak Djokovic who eventually went on to win the title.
Djokovic under the guidance of his rival turned coach- Andy Murray, has advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. At the semi finals Djokovic will face second seed Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic is eyeing to script history at this tournament. He is aiming for his 11th Australian Open title and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. He presently shares the record of the most Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court.
Meanwhile Djokovic’s upcoming opponent Alexander Zverev will be advancing to his third Australian Open semifinal. The German has won 23 ATP Tour titles, and has been runner-up at two Grand Slams, the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(247 Articles Published)