Ben Shelton reached new heights at the 2025 Australian Open, securing his place in the semifinals after battling through four grueling sets against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday. With scores of 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), the 22-year-old American showcased his resilience on the prestigious Rod Laver Arena, marking his second Grand Slam semifinal appearance.
Having previously reached the semifinals at the 2023 US Open, Shelton stepped onto the court determined to make his mark. The match quickly evolved from initial dominance by Shelton to a tense battle as Sonego, the unseeded challenger ranked 55th, pushed back hard, demonstrating why he had made it this far.
“I’m relieved right now,” said Shelton after the victory. He credited Sonego's performance, adding, “Shout-out to Lorenzo because that's some ridiculous tennis.” This nod to his opponent not only showed sportsmanship but also acknowledged the level of skill both players exhibited during nearly four hours of play.
The match began with Shelton utilizing his powerful serve to establish control. He took the first set 6-4, breaking Sonego’s serve at a pivotal moment. The second set saw Shelton continue his momentum, though Sonego rallied to keep the match competitive. Shelton managed to close out the set at 7-5, but Sonego was just getting warmed up.
The Italian fought back valiantly, capturing the third set 4-6, effectively waking up the crowd with impressive net play and spectacular points, including one memorable drop volley. Shelton faced pressure early, but his strong return game and ability to fend off break points proved decisive.
With the match hanging in the balance, the fourth set was filled with tension. Both players displayed athleticism, serving aces and creating opportunities. Yet, they remained deadlocked, leading to yet another tiebreaker.
"It was a tough match, but I'm glad I made it through," Shelton remarked, reflecting his hard-earned success. He saved three break points and aggressively chased down shots, showing no signs of backing down.
The tiebreak was intense; Shelton finally won it 7-4, sealing his victory and shouting with joy, recognizing his hard-fought battle against Sonego's relentless style of play. Shelton registered the joint-fastest serve of the tournament at 232 km/h (144 mph) during the match, showcasing his incredible athletic ability.
Having now advanced, Shelton will prepare to face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur, significant figures within men's tennis. This semifinal match promises to be another thrilling encounter as Shelton's confidence builds from his quarterfinal victory.
His win not only solidifies his stature as one of the bright young talents on the ATP tour but also marks him as the youngest American to reach the semifinals at the Australian Open since Andy Roddick accomplished it back in 2003. Critics and fans alike will be keeping close tabs on him as he continues his rise.
This remarkable feat at such a prestigious event reflects the growing depth of talent within American tennis, hinting at Shelton's potential to surpass the achievements of his predecessors. Perhaps what stands out most is the hunger Shelton brings to each point, showing he relishes the high-pressure situations during matches, something worth pondering as he moves forward.
With each match he plays, Shelton adds to his growing legacy, setting new milestones and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. His next challenge lies just around the corner, promising even more excitement as he continues his pursuit of excellence at the 2025 Australian Open.