Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam title in Australia a year ago, was tested in his semi-final on Friday but managed to claim a 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory against Ben Shelton at the Rod Laver Arena.

The 23-year-old Sinner becomes the youngest man to reach back-to-back Australian Open Finals since Jim Courier back in 1993.

The first set, in particular, was tough for Sinner, but once he managed to go up a set, it was plain sailing as he proved exactly why he is the leading player in the men’s game at the moment. While the scoreline appears one-sided in favour of Sinner, the young American, Shelton, had moments of absolute brilliance in the second and third sets.

Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton. Photo: X

Sinner will now face the second-seeded Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final as he targets a third Grand Slam title. During the first semi-final on Friday, Zverev advanced after Novak Djokovic retired injured. The lanky German had won the first set 7-6 before Djokovic's withdrawal. 

This victory advances Zverev to the championship match for the first time in his career, after previously reaching the semi-finals on two occasions.

Following his hard-fought win, Sinner said it was important to win the tough first set, which set the tone for the rest of the semi-final. “It was a very tough first set, but a very crucial one,” said the defending champion.

“First set is always very important. It gives you a little bit of confidence. There was a bit of tension for both of us. I’m very happy with how I handled the situation today.”

Sinner is through to the final ????

Jannik Sinner makes it back-to-back finals at #AusOpen as he beats Ben Shelton in straight sets ?? pic.twitter.com/y8y5TFBPW5

— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 24, 2025

Regarding his upcoming final against the former Olympic champion, Sinner said it’s always tough playing against Zverev, and it will require another strong performance.

“We’ve had some very tough matches in the past,” Sinner added.

“Anything can happen. He’s an incredible player, looking for his first major. There’s going to be, again, a lot of tension, but I’m happy to put myself in this position.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday morning at 10:30, the back-to-back defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will face Madison Keys in the women’s singles final.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg