American Ben Shelton secured his first Australian Open semi-final with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in Melbourne on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, known for his powerful serve, fired the tournament’s joint-fastest at 232 kph (144 mph) and will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or home favorite Alex de Minaur for a spot in the final.
Shelton took control early, winning the first two sets, but Sonego, ranked 55th, pushed back to claim the third.
The American regained momentum in the fourth set, clinching victory in a tense tiebreak after 3 hours and 50 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
“That was some ridiculous tennis,” Shelton said, praising his opponent’s resilience. The win marks his second Grand Slam semi-final appearance, following his 2023 US Open run.
Sonego impressed throughout the tournament, defeating former champion Stan Wawrinka and teenage prospects Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien to reach his first major quarter-final.
However, Shelton’s firepower ultimately proved decisive in their quarter-final clash.
