Day 11 of the Australian Open delivered electrifying tennis and dominant performances as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek continued their imperious campaigns to reach the semifinals. Both players showcased their prowess under the Melbourne lights, leaving fans anticipating thrilling clashes ahead.
Sinner’s Spectacular Display Against De Minaur
Defending champion Jannik Sinner stormed into the semifinals with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory over eighth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur. The Italian world No. 1 produced a clinical performance on Rod Laver Arena, silencing the home crowd with his precision and power.
After battling dizzy spells in the searing heat during his fourth-round win against Holger Rune, Sinner looked rejuvenated under the cooler evening conditions. He dominated from start to finish, leaving De Minaur winless in their 10 head-to-head encounters.
Sinner, now just two wins away from defending his Australian Open crown, is chasing history. The 23-year-old is aiming to become the first Italian man to win three Grand Slam titles, having already triumphed at the US Open in 2023 and in Melbourne last year.
His next challenge comes in the form of 21st-seeded American Ben Shelton, who reached the semifinals with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7-4) victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.
Shelton’s Meteoric Rise
Ben Shelton continued his breakout run at Melbourne Park, delivering an all-action display against Sonego. The left-hander, known for his explosive game, unleashed the tournament’s joint-fastest serve at 232kph (144mph) during the match.
“I’m relieved right now,” Shelton admitted after the win. The 22-year-old is now into his first Australian Open semifinal, matching his career-best performance from the 2023 US Open.
Swiatek’s Ominous March Toward Glory
Iga Swiatek delivered another dominant performance to edge closer to her first Australian Open title. The world No. 2 dispatched American eighth seed Emma Navarro 6-1, 6-2 in under an hour, demonstrating her remarkable form.
The 23-year-old Pole has been unstoppable in Melbourne, winning all her matches in straight sets and conceding just 14 games across five rounds. Her relentless precision and aggressive baseline play have made her the favorite for the title.
Second semi Swiatek ✌️#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/OVoLm9GIwC
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2025
Swiatek now faces 19th-seeded Madison Keys in the semifinals. The Pole expressed respect for her opponent, saying, “Madison is a great player and experienced, so you never know. It will be tricky, but I will focus on myself.”
Keys Keeps Momentum Alive
Madison Keys earned her spot in the semifinals after rallying from a set down to defeat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. This marks Keys’ third semifinal appearance in Melbourne, 10 years after her first.
The 29-year-old American is on a 10-match winning streak, including her title run in Adelaide earlier this year. Keys’ ability to adapt her game and increase aggression at critical moments has been pivotal in her success.
“I felt like I had to start playing a little bit more aggressive and try to get to the net quicker,” Keys said. Her experience and recent form make her a formidable opponent for Swiatek in the semifinal.
Controversy Shadows Swiatek’s Win
Swiatek’s quarterfinal victory was not without drama. During the second set, Emma Navarro attempted a drop shot that forced Swiatek into a desperate slide. While Swiatek believed she returned the ball successfully, replays showed it had bounced twice.
Navarro, who waited until the point was over to challenge the call, was denied a video review, as players are required to challenge immediately. The incident left Navarro frustrated, with the American saying, “It’s tough. I think we should be able to see it afterward and make that call.”
Sabalenka and Badosa Set for Semifinal Showdown
The other women’s semifinal will feature top seed Aryna Sabalenka against Spain’s 11th-seeded Paula Badosa. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, has been in commanding form, while Badosa has shown resilience in her run to the last four.
With both players displaying exceptional tennis, the stage is set for a high-stakes clash as they vie for a spot in the final.
Anticipation Builds for Djokovic-Zverev Clash
On the men’s side, the second semifinal promises to be a blockbuster as Novak Djokovic faces world No. 2 Alexander Zverev. Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, has been in vintage form, while Zverev is eager to make his mark at Melbourne Park.
What Lies Ahead
As the Australian Open approaches its climax, the competition intensifies with every match. Sinner, Swiatek, and the other semifinalists are just two wins away from etching their names in tennis history. Fans around the world eagerly await the thrilling encounters that lie ahead on the courts of Melbourne Park.
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