Australian Open: Ben Shelton fights past Lorenzo Sonego to book maiden semi-final spot

Australian Open 2025: Ben Shelton advanced to the semi-final of the hard court major after beating Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.

In Short

• Ben Shelton beat Lorenzo Sonego in four sets
• Shelton won the match 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4)
• Shelton will face the winner of the Alex de Minaur vs Jannik Sinner clash

Ben Shelton stormed his way into his maiden Australian Open semi-final after beating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in four sets at the Rod Laver Arena. In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday, January 22, Shelton took three hours and 50 minutes to beat his Italian opponent 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) on Centre Court.

Shelton also qualified for his second semi-final after going that far for the first time in the US Open 2023, where Novak Djokovic beat him in straight sets. Shelton is also the only man from the USA remaining in singles in the hard-court major at Melbourne Park.

Madison Keys is the only other American alive in singles. Earlier, Taylor Fritz and 12th seed Tommy Paul made an exit after losing to Gael Monfils and Alexander Zverev respectively.

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"I feel relieved right now. Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego -- that was ridiculous tennis. It was one of the favourite matches of my career,” Shelton said after the match.

Wearing a white headband and a vibrant, multicoloured outfit, 22-year-old Shelton brought both energy and attitude to centre court, roaring his way through the first two sets while openly celebrating Sonego's errors. The unseeded Italian staged a determined comeback, stretching the match into a tense fourth set before falling short in the tiebreak.

Shelton sealed the victory with a thunderous crosscourt forehand, and then shared a jubilant high-five with his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, a former ATP title-winner.

In the all-important semi-final, Shelton will be up against the winner of the clash between World No.1 Jannik Sinner and local hero Alex de Minaur. Sinner is also looking to defend his title at Melbourne Park.

In the other semi-final, seventh seed Novak Djokovic will face Alexander Zverev. Djokovic, who is looking to win his 11th Australian Open title, got the better of Alcaraz on Tuesday in a four-setter.