Ben Shelton has thrust himself onto the global tennis stage after clinching a spot in the semifinals of the Australian Open following a gripping quarterfinal match against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego. The American, seeded 21st, delivered an enthralling performance, wrapping up the contest with scores of 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4), marking his second Grand Slam semifinal appearance.
The showdown at Melbourne Park was not without its dramas. Sonego, known for his resilience, executed several remarkable shots, one of which—a spectacular spinning hook winner—left spectators awestruck. His creativity on the court culminated when he achieved the shot of the tournament: a breathtaking, high-arching, spinning volley. Yet, it was Shelton's moment to shine.
Taking the court with his trademark left-handed serve, the 22-year-old Shelton quickly demonstrated his prowess, registering nine aces throughout the match, even closing the first set with a staggering 144 mph serve—the fastest recorded at Melbourne Park during the tournament. Though he faced fierce competition, Shelton kept his nerve, especially during the fourth-set tiebreak, where he held his composure to win three consecutive points after trailing at 4-4.
The contest was, at its core, not merely about raw power but also mental strength. Shelton, often heard expressing gratitude to his supportive home crowd, said, "I'm relieved." His relief was evident as he overcame numerous challenges, including Sonego's spirited comeback efforts.
Interestingly, this victory is particularly significant for Shelton as he joins esteemed company, becoming just the second left-handed player since Rafael Nadal to reach the semifinals of both hard court Grand Slams since 1988. Nadal made his mark back when he reached the Australian Open semifinals in 2008, setting the stage for immense success thereafter.
The match, lasting nearly four hours—three hours and fifty minutes to be exact—saw both players demonstrating high-quality tennis. Each set was closely contested, with neither player allowing the other to build substantial momentum. Sonego fought hard, landing 67 shots at the net from 90 attempts, showcasing his aggressive playstyle. Yet, Shelton's defensive prowess and explosive returns kept him one step ahead.
Post-match, when asked about the intimidating prospect of facing either Jannik Sinner, the top seed, or Alex de Minaur, who will have home-ground support, Shelton remained upbeat and confident. "Thanks everybody for coming out, this was one of my favorites matches of my career," he said, channeling the energy from his supporters. "If I’m facing the home favourite Alex de Minaur, 100%. You guys can boo me, throw stuff at my head, I understand, he’s the home guy," he added, setting the stage for what promises to be yet another electrifying encounter.
With this victory, Shelton has secured himself not only a spot among the elite but has also captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide. His dynamic playing style, coupled with his charming personality, sets him up as not just a competitor but also as the future face of American tennis.
Next up for Shelton is the semifinal match set to occur this coming Friday. With ticket demand surging and excitement building, fans eagerly anticipate not only the matchup but also the possibility of Shelton challenging for the coveted Australian Open title. All eyes will be on courtesy of the thrilling display and the next chapter of Shelton's career, where his tenacity and spirit will be put to the ultimate test against the top players of the game.