World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continued his remarkable form at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating American Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 to reach his second consecutive final. The defending champion has now extended his astonishing streak to 20 consecutive wins overall, 13 at the Australian Open, and 13 Grand Slam matches. Sinner is firmly establishing himself as the player to beat.
The first set proved to be a clash of nerves and determination. Despite Shelton's explosive game pushing Sinner to the limit, it was the Italian's composure and resilience on display. He faced set points before forcing the tiebreak where he dominated 7-2, shifting the momentum to his favor. “That first set was everything,” remarked one analyst. “Shelton just couldn’t recover mentally after losing it.”
Once the opening set was secured, Sinner unleashed his full arsenal, showcasing why he occupies the top spot. His precision from the baseline and tactical nous overwhelmed Shelton, who struggled to keep pace. Sinner broke early in both the second and third sets, securing victory after just over two hours of rigorous play.
Looking forward, Sinner will face World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who reached the final after Novak Djokovic's premature retirement due to injury. Zverev remains on the hunt for his first major title after suffering two previous final defeats.
Sinner holds the advantage on several fronts heading to the finale. The numbers speak volumes: he has amassed 20 consecutive match victories and won 13 matches at the Australian Open without dropping any, manifesting superiority at Melbourne Park. He will aim to defend his title successfully, something no player has achieved since Novak Djokovic did it back-to-back from 2005-2006.
Reflecting on the semifinal against Shelton, it was not all smooth sailing. Sinner had to contend with two set points at 5-6 but dug deep to save them maneuvering through the tense moments to take control of the tiebreaker. “It was very tough but very important,” Sinner noted. “First sets are always very important. It gives you a lot of confidence.” He added how he felt Shelton was off his game, noting, “I think we both returned much stronger than we served sometimes.”
Continuing his run, Sinner has seen his ranking rewarded from his stellar last season, which culminated in multiple titles, including triumphs at the US Open and Shanghai. He remained unmovable and relentless throughout the match against Shelton, capitalizing on the American’s errors and dictation of play. The opponent, though passionate and engaged, repeatedly struggled with unforced errors, tallying 16 against Sinner's mere six errors.
Sinner, now 23, made history as the youngest man to reach multiple Australian Open finals since Jim Courier achieved it back in 1993. The dominant prowess leads many to wonder if he can continue the remarkable run, especially under pressure.
This Sunday’s final not only pits two skilled competitors against each other but also carries historical weight. If Sinner emerges victorious, he will become the first Italian to secure three Grand Slam titles, with his previous wins at the Australian Open and US Open illustrating his growing legacy. Nicola Pietrangeli remains the sole Italian champion at Roland Garros. Amidst all this, Sinner has some physical concerns reported with leg cramps appearing during the semifinal but he assures fans he’s eager and mentally prepared to fight for the crown.
The final is highly anticipated as Sinner seeks to make history and reclaim the title he earned so decisively last year. With the atmosphere charged and the stakes high, the match is likely to deliver fireworks. Both players have had their share of challenges, but Sinner's current form puts him as the overwhelming favorite against Zverev. Can he maintain his momentum and handle the pressure of back-to-back finals?