{"id":78679,"date":"2025-01-22T09:50:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T14:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=78679"},"modified":"2025-01-22T09:50:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T14:50:07","slug":"australian-open-semifinal-predictions-sinner-shelton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2025\/01\/22\/australian-open-semifinal-predictions-sinner-shelton\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Semifinal Predictions: Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton"},"content":{"rendered":"

The second blockbuster men’s semifinal is set at the Australian Open. Will Jannik Sinner continue to dominate? Or can Ben Shelton find the biggest upset of his career? Our writers share their thoughts on the match with you. Predicting this match are Damian Kust, Ilemona Onekutu, Tope Oke, Ateet Shrivastava, and Yesh Ginsburg. Our writers also predict the other semifinal, between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev<\/a>. Who do you think will reach the final?<\/p>\n

Australian Open Semifinal Predictions<\/h2>\n

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton<\/h4>\n

Damian:<\/em>
\nOn paper, Shelton against a top player is always a fun matchup. Compared to some other yet-to-fully-develop prospects you could imagine a serving day when he’s literally unbreakable even for someone of this caliber. But then you still have to win the tie-break, especially with how Shelton is still trying to find the right balance off the ground and often seems to think his shot tolerance is far worse than it actually is. He’d need something special to beat Sinner and to pull it off in the best-of-five format is just unlikely. Needs to throw the kitchen sink at the Italian and see if anything sticks.
\nPrediction: Sinner in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Ileomna:<\/em>
\nJannik Sinner\u2019s consistency and all-court game make him the favorite against Ben Shelton\u2019s explosive serve and aggressive style. Shelton can disrupt Sinner\u2019s rhythm, but the Italian\u2019s experience may prove decisive in this power-packed battle.
\nPrediction: Sinner in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Tope:<\/em>
\nThe defending champion showed why he is the favorite to retain his title with an emphatic annihilation of Alex de Minaur right in front of his home fans to extend his match-winning streak to 21. Such was the dominance of his performance that he didn\u2019t face a single break of serve. Shelton will certainly pose a more significant challenge with his stronger serve, athleticism, and aggressive play. His willingness to take risks can put Sinner under pressure, though it may also lead to unforced errors.<\/p>\n

However, the young American must take pride in going the farthest in a Major in this one. While an upset won\u2019t be entirely surprising, Sinner\u2019s ability to control rallies and dictate play, coupled with his experience and favorable head-to-head record, will hand him victory in what promises to be his stiffest challenge for a chance to defend his title in Melbourne<\/a>.
\nPrediction: Sinner in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>