Sinner Overpowers De Minaur to Secure Australian Open Semifinal Spot

Sinner Overpowers De Minaur to Secure Australian Open Semifinal Spot

Defending champion Jannik Sinner delivered a dominant performance to dismantle Alex De Minaur in straight sets, securing a semifinal berth at the Australian Open. The world number one Italian cruised past the eighth-seeded Australian 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in just 108 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Sinner, who showed no signs of the illness that had affected him in his previous match, described his performance as near flawless. "Today I felt like I was feeling everything," he remarked, crediting his quick breaks early in each set for making the match more manageable.

The victory sets up a semifinal clash with 21st seed Ben Shelton, who edged past unseeded Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal. The winner of their match will face either Novak Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, or second seed Alexander Zverev in the final.

De Minaur entered the match with little success against Sinner, having lost all nine of their prior encounters. Despite the home crowd's support, he was unable to counter the Italian's powerful baseline game. Sinner broke De Minaur early in each set and maintained control throughout, winning 20 consecutive matches against Australian opponents.

Sinner’s relentless play, marked by precision and agility, left De Minaur with few opportunities. The Australian managed only four winners in the first set and struggled to keep pace as Sinner dictated play with big forehands and consistent ball-striking.

Sinner, who also won the US Open last year, is aiming to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time and could become the first Italian man to win three Grand Slam titles. The victory underscores his exceptional form as he eyes a spot in Sunday’s final.