Just four players remain at the 2025 Australian Open as the top half of the draw completed their quarter-final matches on Wednesday.
Ben Shelton was the first to book his place in Friday’s semi-finals, getting past Lorenzo Sonego in four sets 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6(4). It could have been a straight win for the American, but in the end he did well to stave it off from five.
Jannik Sinner then made mincemeat of Alex de Minaur to win 6-3 6-2 6-1 in a one-sided match at Rod Laver Arena that gave fans just 1 hour and 48 minutes of Sinner dominance.
Day Eleven 2025 Australian Open Quarter Final Results
| Winner | Loser | Score line |
|---|---|---|
| Jannik Sinner (1) | Alex de Minaur (8) | 6-3 6-2 6-1 |
| Ben Shelton (21) | Lorenzo Sonego | 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6(4) |
Shelton Lowers Sonego
Ben Shelton is through to his second Grand Slam semi-final after a 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory over Lorenzo Sonego.
Unlike in New York, where there’s usually a lot of fanfare about American participation, Shelton has calmly breezed through the draw, playing solid tennis while staying under the radar.
The 21st seed has a deadly serve + 1 forehand combo, and both players hit aggressive shots throughout the match.
Even Sonego can more than hold their own in that department, so it was a fun match to watch, with both guys coming forward to try and score points.
Shelton, in particular, is no stranger to the net, winning 38 of 49 points up there. Still, the Italian was up there more often, winning 74% (67/90) of his net points, including the shot of the tournament when he saved a break point with a stunning diving drop volley that spun back into his side of the net.
Yes, it was a bit scrappy, and I don’t think Sonego played his best (he’s not used to playing big matches at Slams), but overall Shelton showed more composure and patience over the four sets, especially on the bigger points. He played steady when needed, and Sonego can blow hot and cold, which made the difference.
I feel relieved right now, shoutout to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis. I’m just very happy to be through, to get my first win at Rod Laver Arena. Thanks everyone for coming out, it was one of my favorite matches of my career. If it is home favorite Alex de Minaur [in the semi-finals]you can boo me, throw things at my head.. I understand. If it is No. 1 in the world [Jannik Sinner]it will probably be the same, so I’m looking forward to it. I know I have a few in the crowd that will pull for me too. Shelton on his win.
Match statistics
| Ben Shelton | Lorenzo Sonego | |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | 9 | 3 |
| Double mistake | 4 | 1 |
| 1st serving percentage | 71% (100/141) | 66% (101/153) |
| 1st Serve point won | 75% (75/100) | 71% (72/101) |
| 2nd serve point won | 59% (24/41) | 52% (27/52) |
| Breakpoints saved | 75% (6/8) | 73% (8/11) |
| Average 1st serving speed | 187 km/h | 185 km/h |
| Average 2nd serving speed | 162 km/h | 153 km/h |
| 1st return point won | 28% (28/100) | 26% (26/100) |
| 2nd return point won | 50% (26/52) | 42% (16/38) |
| Breakpoints converted | 27% (3/11) | 25% (2/8) |
| Winner | 54 | 63 |
| Unforced errors | 33 | 55 |
| Net points won | 78% (38/49) | 74% (67/90) |
| Won service point | 70% (99/141) | 65% (99/153) |
| Return points won | 35% (54/153) | 30% (42/141) |
| Total points won | 52% (153/294) | 48% (141/294) |
| Service game won | 91% (20/22) | 86% (22/19) |
| Return game won | 14% (3/22) | 9% (2/22) |
| Total games won | 52% (23/44) | 48% (21/44) |
Highlights
Sinner destroys the Minaur
Alex de Minaur is not enjoying facing Jannik Sinner, as was shown on Wednesday. The Italian blew him off the court, coming through 6-3, 6-2 and 6-1 in just 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Sinner now leads H2H 10-0, and he dropped just one set in these meetings five years ago in Sofia. This matchup is as one-sided as it comes, with de Minaur lucky enough to get more than one or two games in a set.
Due to its one-sided nature, there is little to discuss regarding the match; The Aussie can’t hurt Sinner in any part of the court.
So there are no keys to the game or key moments that changed momentum – it was all she wrote before a ball was even hit. Just like boxing, styles make fights, and this one is a total mismatch.
With this win, Sinner extended his winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams to 19 matches, and he looks like the favorite to defend the title.
I feel like I felt everything today. Days like this, when you break pretty early in each set, it’s a little easier. He’s a tough competitor and a great player… We know each other pretty well now. We have played each other so many times and we try to understand each other’s games and try to prepare in the best possible way. These kinds of matches, they can go fast, but also they can change very quickly if I go down with my level a little bit and he takes chances. I am very happy with my performance today. Sinner tries to be diplomatic about his opponent.
Match statistics
| Jannik Sinner | Alex de Minaur | |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | 2 | 2 |
| Double mistake | 0 | 1 |
| 1st serving percentage | 64% (38/59) | 51% (40/78) |
| 1st Serve point won | 84% (32/38) | 65% (26/40) |
| 2nd serve point won | 81% (17/21) | 39% (15/38) |
| Breakpoints saved | 100% (1/1) | 40% (4/10) |
| Average 1st serving speed | 197 | 191 |
| Average 2nd serving speed | 155 | 159 |
| 1st return point won | 35% (14/40) | 16% (6/38) |
| 2nd return point won | 61% (23/38) | 19% (4/21) |
| Breakpoints converted | 60% (6/10) | 0% (0/1) |
| Winner | 27 | 10 |
| Unforced errors | 19 | 26 |
| Net points won | 69% (9/13) | 62% (8/13) |
| Won service point | 83% (49/59) | 53% (41/78) |
| Return points won | 47% (37/78) | 17% (10/59) |
| Total points won | 63% (86/137) | 37% (51/137) |
| Service game won | 100% (12/12) | 50% (6/12) |
| Return game won | 50% (6/12) | 0% (0/12) |
| Total games won | 75% (18/24) | 25% (6/24) |
Highlights
Australian Open Day 13 semi-final matches
- Jannik Sinner (1) vs Ben Shelton (21)
- Novak Djokovic (7) vs Alexander Zverev (2)
