In a thrilling showdown at the Australian Open, 22-year-old Ben Shelton etched his name in history by becoming the youngest American man to reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park since Andy Roddick in 2003. The rising tennis star secured his spot in the final four with a gritty four-set victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, winning 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4).
Shelton’s performance continues his meteoric rise in the tennis world. This marks his second Grand Slam semifinal, following his impressive run at the 2023 US Open. “I feel relieved right now,” Shelton shared during his on-court interview. “Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis.”
The match on Rod Laver Arena was a showcase of power and finesse. Both players delivered outstanding shot-making, with Shelton’s signature lefty forehand doing significant damage. After taking the first two sets, Shelton faced resistance in the third, as Sonego broke his serve at a critical moment to claim the set. The fourth set was a nail-biter, with Shelton saving a crucial break point at 2-3 before dominating the tiebreak to close the match.
Notably, Shelton fired the joint-fastest serve of the tournament at 232 kph (144 mph), adding to the spectacle. Despite Sonego’s spirited effort—including a stunning diving drop volley that wowed the crowd—the 22-year-old American stayed composed and sealed the victory after nearly four hours of play.
With this win, Shelton becomes the first active American man to reach the semifinals at two different Grand Slam events. His achievement adds to a legacy that includes tennis greats like Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras.
Looking ahead, Shelton faces a daunting semifinal clash against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur in straight sets. Should Shelton clinch the Australian Open title, he could rise to a career-high No. 5 in the ATP rankings.
For now, the tennis world is abuzz with Shelton’s potential. His mix of raw power, athleticism, and youthful exuberance promises an exciting future—not just for him but for American tennis as a whole.
The road to the final is daunting, but one thing is certain: Ben Shelton has arrived, and he’s here to stay.
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