With the backing of the entire nation behind him, eighth-seeded Alex de Minaur had ample momentum heading into Thursday’s quarterfinal at the Australian Open. But he was no match for top-seeded Jannik Sinner, falling in straight sets and extending the home country’s long wait for its next men’s singles champion.
Sinner, whose Grand Slam breakthrough came in last year’s tournament at Melbourne Park, cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory and the Italian will take on American Ben Shelton with his sights set on a third major trophy after also winning the U.S. Open in September.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN BRACKET: Full schedule, results, TV times
De Minaur was looking to end Australia’s nearly half-century wait for a men’s champion since Mark Edmondson did it in 1976. The fans at a packed Rod Laver Arena gave him a standing ovation for his valiant effort.
‘He’s a tough competitor, an amazing player,’ Sinner said. ‘So many people came here for him tonight, but it was an amazing atmosphere.
‘We know each other quite well. We played so many times, we know each other’s game so we try to prepare in the best possible way. These matches can go quickly, but things can change fast.’
Sinner, 23, has never lost to De Minaur in their 10 career meetings. He showed no signs of the illness that made him struggle in his last match.
Ben Shelton slams media for being ‘disrespectful’
Australian Open semifinalist Ben Shelton has taken the Grand Slam’s on-court interviewers to task for being ‘disrespectful’ to players.
The American reached his first semifinal at Melbourne Park on Wednesday with a four-set win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego at Rod Laver Arena.
He was interviewed on court by Australian former Davis Cup player John Fitzgerald, who suggested no one would be cheering the American in his semifinal, with his opponent yet to be confirmed between defending champion Jannik Sinner or local hope Alex De Minaur.
On court, Shelton laughed off the comment, but he was scathing in his post-match press conference.
‘I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,’ Shelton told reporters.
‘I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Djokovic), I don’t think that was just a single event.
‘I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.’
Tennis Australia, the tournament’s organizers, were contacted for comment.
Djokovic was annoyed by comments made by Australian broadcaster Tony Jones on TV, saying the Serb was ‘over-rated’ and a ‘has-been.’
Djokovic declined to do the customary on-court interview after his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday pending a public apology from Jones.
Shelton said he was also put off during his post-match interview after playing 38-year-old Frenchman Gael Monfils in the fourth round.
‘There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, ‘Hey, (Gael) Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is your dad,” Shelton added.
‘Or today on the court, ‘Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match, no one is going to be cheering for you?’
‘I mean, it may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life.’
Shelton signed off by saying broadcasters should help grow the sport and help athletes who won matches on the biggest stage to enjoy one of their biggest moments.
‘I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change,’ he said.
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