'Concerned' Djokovic prepares for Australian Open semi-final after Sinner demolishes De Minaur - live
Jannik Sinner joined Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open when he demolished home favourite Alex De Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 at the Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner, who had won every meeting between the two players before this one, was in complete control throughout the match and broke the Australian’s will with a mix of heavy hitting and pinpoint accuracy from the baseline. It was a stark contrast to the Italian’s performance against Holger Rune on Monday when he battled through illness and niggles to get into the last eight.
De Minaur had dropped just one set on his way to the quarter-finals, in a tie-break against Francisco Cerundolo, and looked in good touch before meeting the World No.1. Sinner will now face Ben Shelton after the American fought off a Lorenzo Sonego comeback to clinch their quarter-final clash 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4).
Earlier in the day, Iga Swiatek cruised past Emma Navarro 6-1, 6-2 in their Women’s Singles quarter-final while Madison Keys secured a surprising 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Elina Svitolina to set up a meeting with Swiatek tomorrow.
Follow live updates from Sinner v De Minaur in our live blog below:
Sinner v De Minaur: Australian Open latest score updates
Jannik Sinner defeats Alex De Minaur in the Australian Open quarter-finals
THIRD SET! Sinner breezes into the semi-finals with ease
SECOND SET! The World No.1 is too good and flies into a two-set lead
FIRST SET! Sinner takes first set 6-3 in composed display
Ben Shelton defeats Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) in men's quarter-finals
Novak Djokovic will play Alexander Zverev after latter's four-set win over Tommy Paul
Djokovic ‘concerned’ by injury ahead of Australian Open semi-finals
Novak Djokovic reveals injury nearly forced retirement during ‘epic’ win over Carlos Alcaraz
13:30 , Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic has revealed that he was almost forced to retire from his “epic” quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
Djokovic secured victory in a thrilling last eight clash in four sets, fighting back from a set down while battling an injury.
The 24-time grand slam champion took an injury timeout at the end of the first set as Alcaraz nudged in front and appeared in severe discomfort, but roared back to take the match in a vintage performance.
Novak Djokovic reveals injury nearly forced retirement during ‘epic’ win over Alcaraz
The moment Carlos Alcaraz let Novak Djokovic mount an epic, improbable Australian Open comeback
13:00 , Mike Jones
When Carlos Alcaraz saw his great rival Novak Djokovic limp off the court towards the end of the first set of their blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final, the 21-year-old admitted to feeling a sense of relief.
Alcaraz’s experience of the Olympic final at Roland Garros, where Djokovic raised his level to win that elusive gold medal last summer in a hugely emotional defeat for the young Spaniard, ensured he needed no reminder of how fearsome an opponent the 37-year-old remains when fully fit.
But as Djokovic struggled to move from side to side, let alone return his groundstrokes on the run or hit through his opponent from the back of the court, Alcaraz’s shoulders relaxed.
Djokovic, head down, exited the Rod Laver Arena for a medical timeout, returning after several minutes with heavy strapping around his upper left leg.
A few moments later, Alcaraz wrapped up the first set; having beaten Djokovic in consecutive Wimbledon finals over best-of-five, it looked a long way back for the 10-time Australian Open champion.
The moment Carlos Alcaraz let Novak Djokovic mount an epic, improbable comeback
Jannik Sinner’s clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur was a lesson in class
12:38 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner continued his quest for consecutive Australian Open titles with a clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur in the last of the men’s singles quarter-finals.
Rarely in professional sport is one person so visibly better than their opponent in ever aspect of play than this. Serves, second serves, movement, accuracy, and ball-striking all favoured the 23-year-old who put in a display that validated his ranking as the best tennis player in the world... not that he needed to.
Jannik Sinner’s clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur was a lesson in class
Ben Shelton blasts TV interviewers after reaching semi-finals
12:20 , Mike Jones
American tennis player Ben Shelton criticized on Wednesday some of the questions and comments made by post-match TV interviewers at the Australian Open.
After Shelton reached the semifinals at the Grand Slam tournament, he followed his final answer at his news conference by saying: “One thing that I just want to say before we’re done: I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters.”
Ben Shelton blasts TV interviewers after reaching Australian Open semi-finals
Jannik Sinner allays health concerns with ruthless victory over Alex De Minaur
12:06 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner brushed off concerns about his health with a brutal destruction of home hope Alex De Minaur in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
The two-time defending champion was in real trouble in his previous round against Holger Rune, taking a long medical timeout and visibly shaking, and admitted afterwards that he was not feeling well.
Hot conditions also played their part and, more than 48 hours on and with temperatures having dropped significantly, Sinner was back to his brilliant best in a 6-3 6-2 6-1 victory.
Jannik Sinner allays health concerns with ruthless victory over Alex De Minaur
On his semi-final match against Ben Shelton, Jannik Sinner said:
11:59 , Mike Jones
"Last year we played some very tough matches.
"Obviously he's one of the best servers on tour, he's a lefty and all different rotation on the ball is coming and hopefully I'm ready and I can return as many serves as possible, and then trying to stay very concentrated about my game like today and staying aggressive.
“We will see."
More from Sinner who addressed his recovery after Holger Rune match:
11:42 , Mike Jones
“Yesterday was a very easy day, I played just 30-40 minutes with my coaches so they gave me a good rhythm.
"Talking generally about physical when you are young you recover very fast, so it’s a bit different and some days I really like to sleep and trying to rest in the best possible way.
"I’m not doing too many things at the moment, just trying to rest and recover and trying to be ready for the court."
Jannik Sinner reacts to reaching semi-finals
11:38 , Mike Jones
"I was feeling everything, when you break quite early in each set it’s a little bit easier but Alex de Minaur is a very tough competitor, he’s an amazing player and I know so many guys came for him tonight but thank you so much for being so fair, it was an amazing atmosphere.
"We know each other quite well now, we played last year so many times and we try to understand each other’s game and try and prepare each other in the best possible way.
"But these kind of matches can go quickly but they can also change very fast if I go down a level a little bit, he takes opportunities, so I’m very happy about my performance."
Australian Open: SET! Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 6-1 Alex De Minaur
11:17 , Mike Jones
A simple flick of the wrists from Sinner sends a backhand down the line and moves him 0-30 against the serve.
The Italian wants to finish this match and goes for a winner that he knocks too long.
De Minaur knows Sinner has upped his game. He tries to match him with a stretching backhand but Sinner blazes a shot down the line and has two match points.
De Minaur saves the first one with a strong serve to the forehand.
He can’t save the second. Another break for Jannik Sinner and the match is his.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 5-1 Alex De Minaur*
11:13 , Mike Jones
Smash! After an opening ace, Sinner moves 30-0 up with a high forehand smash to De Minaur can do nothing about.
A rare error from the Italian opens the door slightly for a comeback but that is shut down after De Minaur pings a forehand too long.
Sinner takes the game with a cross court backhand. The angle is tight, the shot perfect and the World No.1 is living up to his ranking.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 4-1 Alex De Minaur
11:08 , Mike Jones
It’s been a struggle for Alex De Minaur.
At the professional level it’s quite rare to come up against an opponent that is better than you in every possible way but Jannik Sinner has proven that he is that man for De Minaur.
Still, the Australian persists. He pushes a forehand wide and gets Sinner running when his next shot is flicked across court.
The Italian sprints across and returns but De Minaur whips a backhand into the corner to take the point.
The crowd celebrates and De Minaur holds serve.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 4-0 Alex De Minaur*
11:04 , Mike Jones
Three more games to go for Jannik Sinner. The stats and history was all in favour of the Italian and the match has played out in a familiar fashion.
De Minaur skids across the court and meets a backhand which isn’t high enough and finds the net to give Sinner the first point of the game.
A rolling of the wrists allows Sinner to drive a forehand down the line and the ball is too far from De Minaur to get across to.
In no time, the game is Sinner’s and he moves another step closer to the semi-finals.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 3-0 Alex De Minaur
11:01 , Mike Jones
There’s nothing going for De Minaur. The relentless onslaught of Sinner’s ball striking is offering nothing to the Australian to get after.
Instead he’s trying to orchestrate a moment of skill from a half-chance of a winner and thus makes the mistake himself.
He sends a forehand wide, then another one long and Sinner has a double break.
The end is nearing quickly.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 2-0 Alex De Minaur*
10:57 , Mike Jones
As smooth as you like from Jannik Sinner who secures his break with an uncomplicated and dominant service game.
De Minaur struggles with each serve and when a rally does develop, at 40-0, he drills a backhand into the net.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 1-0 Alex De Minaur
10:54 , Mike Jones
From two game points for De Minaur to a break point for Sinner.
De Minaur’s attempt to save sees him serve down the T.
Sinner gets it back and sets up a teasing shot for De Minaur to go after the forehand. He does try for the winner but hits it wide.
Another break for Sinner.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 0-0 Alex De Minaur*
10:52 , Mike Jones
Alex De Minaur just needs to focus no his own serve. If he can win those games he’ll be in with a chance.
Each point that goes his way in this opening game of the third set is met with a “come on!” exclamation as though the Australian is trying to convince himself he can still win.
De Minaur is helped but a couple of errors but works his way to 40-30. A long forehand seems to land on the line but is called out and De Minaur must fight from deuce.
It would be a devastating blow for him if he loses this game.
Australian Open: SET! Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-2 Alex De Minaur*
10:47 , Mike Jones
So then, here’s Jannik Sinner serving to win the second set.
His opening serve is sent out wide and De Minaur’s hurried return gives him control. Sinner works the Aussie back to the left of court before smashing down on a volley to win the point.
Sinner wins the next point as well with a forehand to the corner before De Minaur clips the tape and offers up three set points.
Sinner needs one.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 6-3 5-2 Alex De Minaur
10:44 , Mike Jones
De Minaur comes to the net and volleys the ball off balance over the back of court.
His next approach is a lot better and he lands a fine drop shot over the net with Sinner stuck behind the baseline.
There may be some hope for the Australian who moves 30-15 in front with another volley from the net. He may have discovered a way to challenge Sinner.
The Italian looks to respond by making the approach himself. He looks to place a forehand volley on the sideline but gets it wrong and falls further behind De Minaur.
The Australian holds serve and, though the second set looks lost, he’ll take some confidence into the third.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 5-1 Alex De Minaur*
10:40 , Mike Jones
There isn’t a great deal more that Alex De Minaur can do other than be better.
He’s hitting some nice shots but against Sinner who is a bastian of sharp, short, power hitting it’s not good enough.
De Minaur looks to go on the front foot and drills a backhand into the net to send Sinner 40-0 up.
Sinner moves within one game of taking the second set as well thanks to another error from De Minaur.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-3 4-1 Alex De Minaur
10:36 , Mike Jones
It’s tense.
Mainly for the Alex De Minaur fans who watch the Australian save a break point and force the game to deuce.
De Minaur then overcooks a forehand down the line and gifts Sinner another opportunity for the double break.
The Australian saves it! A switch of play from Sinner sees De Minaur force a forehand down the line. Sinner isn’t expecting it and lofts back his return which De Minaur rattles across court to win.
Another long rally sees De Minaur find the net. Sinner breaks!
It’s a brutal forehand onslaught and the double break comes his way.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 3-1 Alex De Minaur*
10:28 , Mike Jones
De Minaur’s aggression and positive comes into play again. He meets Sinner’s angled shots with a flurry of powerful forehands before coming up to the net and forcing the Italian wide.
Sinner’s calm nature doesn’t twitch. He aces then forces De Minaur to go long and moves into the lead again.
Sinner closes out the game with a forehand volley.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 6-3 2-1 Alex De Minaur
10:22 , Mike Jones
The crowd haven’t really taken off in this match yet but they’re starting to get into it.
The fact De Minaur is being aggressive and is seeing positive results from taht helps.
That said, he’s also handing over points trying to hit the baseline and Sinner isn’t going away on the scoreboard.
On serve at 30-30, De Minaur rolls his wrist over a forehand and lands the ball in play from an acute angle to win the rally.
There’s some belief building for the Australian. He holds serve and gets on the board.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 6-3 1-0 Alex De Minaur
10:17 , Mike Jones
Even the Eurosport commentators are struggling to see how De Minaur gets back into this game.
Every now and then there’s a great shot or a fine rally from the Australian before Sinner regains control.
The angles from Sinner’s forehand are unbelievable, he’s finding the baseline corner regularly.
De Minaur battles to 30-30 against the serve when Sinner faults coming down the T. The Australian attacks the second serve and keeps the heavy hits coming, Sinner looks for the corner again but this time gets it wrong and there’s a break point opportunity for De Minaur.
He can’t take it.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-3 1-0 Alex De Minaur
10:13 , Mike Jones
This isn’t good for Alex De Minaur.
His serve is broken in the opening game of the second set which hands a huge advantage to Jannik Sinner.
De Minaur initially does well to sprint up to a drop shot and flick it over the net.
The pair then trade short volleys before De Minaur skews one wide to hand the game to Sinner.
De Minaur is trying his best but Sinner is just a level above him.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 6-3 0-0 Alex De Minaur*
10:11 , Mike Jones
Alex De Minaur needs to reset. He didn’t play badly in the opening set but was easily beaten.
A confident opening game in the second set wil do him some good.
De Minaur takes the first point and drags Sinner into a rally. A driving backhand down the line almost wins him the point but Sinner stretches to the right and whips a forehand winner across court!
That was incredible.
Sinner doesn’t mess around either. He makes De Minaur run side-to-side then pings a backhand down the line from the back of the court to edge ahead.
15-30.
Australian Open: SET! Jannik Sinner 6-3 Alex De Minaur*
10:06 , Mike Jones
A mistake from Jannik Sinner gets the crowd roaring. The Italian lets a lob go and the ball from De Minaur lands in play.
Sinner isn’t affected. He takes the next point then unleashed a blistering forehand that fizzes across court. De Minaur is pushed wide but gets the ball back only for Sinner to switch direction with a backhand.
The Italian is composed and controlling. There’s been no panic and a third point on the spin sets up two set points.
De Minaur doesn’t get the serve back and Sinner completes the first set!
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 5-3 Alex De Minaur
10:03 , Mike Jones
De Minaur brings out the fist pump after taking three points in a row against Sinner.
The Italian is having minor issues with the second serve to the body and keeps hitting the net.
De Minaur looks to win the game but overhits a forehand and sends the ball too long.
He gets over the line on the next attempt when Sinner once again finds the net.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 5-2 Alex De Minaur*
09:59 , Mike Jones
Alex De Minaur is scrambling across the court as Sinner works him around.
The Australian has heart and a determination to get back into the set but Sinner has complete control.
He holds to love and moves within one game of taking the opening set.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 4-2 Alex De Minaur
09:56 , Mike Jones
De Minaur is serving with a breeze behind him which helps with added power.
“Come on, come on!” the Australian mutters to himself as Sinner sends a backhand wide of the sideline.
De Minaur then troubles the Italian from the serve and moves 40-15 ahead.
He holds serve with an ace and get back on the board.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 4-1 Alex De Minaur*
09:51 , Mike Jones
A sliced backhand from De Minaur brings Sinner up to the night and the Italian then pushes the approach shot too long.
De Minaur goes 0-30 up but can’t return the next serve.
Sinner then goes after De Minaur’s return from serve and drills a backhand down the line to draw level in the game.
It’s so impressive when the World No. 1 turns it on.
De Minaur goes long with a cross court effort then Sinner takes the game.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 3-1 Alex De Minaur
09:48 , Mike Jones
Sinner sets up a second break point and then draws De Minaur into a lengthy rally.
The Italian seems to be controlling the rally and working De Minaur side-to-side. However, the Australian brings the momentum to his side and looks for a tight cross court angle.
He goes for the potential winner but sends it long.
Sinner breaks in the first set.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 2-1 Alex De Minaur*
09:45 , Mike Jones
De Minaur is put under pressure by Sinner who matches him blow for blow before nudging ahead and setting up a break point.
The Australia sends a serve out to the backhand and Sinner hooks a shot into the net.
Deuce!
Sinner faults first. A nice, riskless rally develops with both men hitting the middle of the court. Sinner looks to push De Minaur behind the baseline but gets the backhand wrong and sends it out of play.
He isn’t made to pay for the error as De Minaur goes wide and the game is back to deuce.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 2-1 Alex De Minaur*
09:40 , Mike Jones
Sinner gets another game on the board. He mixes up various tactics with heavy hits from the base line and coming up to the net to volley.
In no time the Italian is 40-0 up and though his gives up a point manages to hold serve without too much trouble.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 1-1 Alex De Minaur
09:34 , Mike Jones
Alex De Minaur misses out on his first serve before targeting the body with his second.
Sinner tries to latch onto it early but sets up the Australian for a smoking response down the line.
Next up Sinner unloads a forehand when returning another second serve and fizzes the ball across court to take his first point away from the serve.
De Minaur can’t press his advantage and the two players trade errors and points to leave the game 30-30.
Sinner then goes long and De Minaur closes out the game with a sharp serve to the forehand.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 1-0 Alex De Minaur*
09:31 , Mike Jones
A fairly regulation start for Jannik Sinner, especially considering the levels of mental fortitude he needed to reach to get past Holger Rune on Monday.
The defending champion holds his first serve.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 0-0 Alex De Minaur
09:29 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner has the serve in this first set and goes to Alex De Minaur’s forehand which the Australian can’t return.
Sinner then goes down the T line and a rally develops with both men targeting the centre of court. Sinner buckles first and hits the net.
15-15.
This match is underway.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner vs Alex De Minaur
09:23 , Mike Jones
The players make their way out onto court at Rod Lever Arena then receive their pre-match instructions from the umpire.
Alex De Minaur will hope to get further into this tournament and maybe win it.
This will be the biggest test he faces against an opponent he’s never beaten.
Can he win today? Let’s find out...
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner vs Alex De Minaur
09:18 , Mike Jones
Alex De Minaur has a poor record against Jannik Sinner.
The pair have faced each other nine times before with De Minaur never having beaten the Italian.
Not only that but of the 21 sets they’ve played, De Minaur has won only one of them.
He needs to banish thoughts of those defeats is he hopes to get through this quarter-final today.
Ben Shelton beats Lorenzo Sonego to reach Australian Open semi-finals
09:10 , Mike Jones
Ben Shelton battled to a four-set win over Lorenzo Sonego to reach his second grand slam semi-final.
The big-serving American made his breakthrough at the Australian Open two years ago with a run to the quarter-finals on his debut before bettering that at the US Open.
The draw at Melbourne Park has opened up for the 22-year-old and he has taken full advantage, with his latest triumph a 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (4) victory over unseeded Italian Sonego.
Ben Shelton beats Lorenzo Sonego to reach Australian Open semi-finals
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner vs Alex De Minaur
09:04 , Mike Jones
Due to Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Sonego heading to a fourth set tie break the final men’s quarter-final has been delayed.
It was due to begin at 8.30am but will now start at 9.15am GMT.
The winner of the game will take on Shelton in the semi-finals on Friday.
Madison Keys reacts to victory over Elina Svitolina
08:57 , Mike Jones
Madison Keys swept into the semi-finals for the Australian Open 10-years after her first time reaching this stage.
She defeated Elina Svitolina in three sets and said after the match: “It feels good. Kind of surprising but I’m really, really happy.
“I feel like I put in a lot of hard work in the off season and my goal was to try and do all the things we were doing in the off season in matches.
“I feel like it’s a little bit nerve-wrecking to apply it but that’s been my goal and to see it paying off this quickly is really nice.
“It’s been something I’ve really worked on [having plans A, B and C]. When she started winning points when we were both at the baseline I tried getting up to the net
“You know things are dire when I’m starting to hit slices and drop shots. I really just tried to use all the tools in the toolbox today.”
Australian Open: Ben Shelton defeats Lorenzo Sonego to reach semi-finals
08:49 , Mike Jones
Australian Open: Shelton on facing Sinner or De Minaur
08:46 , Mike Jones
Ben Shelton was quite humble in his post-match interview and says he understands if the crowd is against him during his next match.
Shelton explained: “If it’s the home favourite Alex De Minaur 100% [the crowd will be against him]. You guys can boo me and throw stuff at my head, I understand, home guy.
“And if it’s the number one in the world it’ll probably be the same.
“I’m looking forward to it and I know I’ve got a few people in the crowd who’ll be pulling for me too.”
Australian Open: Ben Shelton reacts to 'ridiculous' tennis from Lorenzo Sonego
08:42 , Mike Jones
Here are the initial thoughts from Ben Shelton speaking at an on court interview:
“I feel relieved right now. Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis.
“I’m just really happy to be through and to get my first win here on Rod Lever. Thanks everybody for coming out.
“It was one of my favourites matches of my career so thank you guys so much.”
Australian Open: Ben Shelton defeats Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 7-6 (7-4)
08:41 , Mike Jones
Ben Shelton is into his first Australian Open semi-final and will face either the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner or Australia’s own Alex De Minaur.
Neither of those will be easy opponents.
The American is speaking on court now, we’ll hear what he has to say about his victory...
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 7-6 (7-4) Lorenzo Sonego
08:34 , Mike Jones
There it is!
Ben Shelton unloads on two of the strongest serves he’s sent down in the match - with one of them being a second serve.
The points go to the American who clinches the tie break and wins the fourth set.
He also takes the match.
Australian Open: *Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 6-6 (5-4) Lorenzo Sonego
08:33 , Mike Jones
After giving up two points Sonego wins the next rally with a volley before Shelton forces an inside-out forehand onto the line!
Sonego can’t believe that!
Wow. Shelton does not want to give anything up. He is forced across court after a volley from the net and lunges for the ball. The return lands in as Shelton clatters into the advertising boards but Sonego takes the point.
The last laugh is Shelton’s though as he maintains his lead when Sonego goes long.
Australian Open: *Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 6-6 (3-2) Lorenzo Sonego
08:29 , Mike Jones
Missed! Sonego sets up the point brilliantly and comes to the net for a drop shot volley but he sends the effort into the net!
Wow! Another mistake from the Italian sees him flick a forehand over the back and Shelton now moves into the lead.
Those were two gifts for the American.
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 6-6 (1-2) Lorenzo Sonego*
08:27 , Mike Jones
Lorenzo Sonego gets the tie break going with a fine serve and response. He goes wide then forces Shelton to the opposite side of court and the American can’t get there.
Shelton’s initial response is good. He wins the first point from his own serve then hooks a forehand wide!
The first mini break goes to Sonego.
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 6-6 Lorenzo Sonego
08:25 , Mike Jones
Sonego finds a winner with a forehand down the line to send the crowd wild but Shelton responds with an ace 15-15.
The American’s next serve is strong and he unleashes a cross court forehand after meeting Sonego’s return which the Italian fails to get back.
Another wide serve throws Sonego off balance and Shelton capitalises to edge closer to a hold at 40-15.
He finishes it off with another ace.
We’re going to a tie break!
Swiatek sets up semi-final clash with Keys
08:24 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek will face Madison Keys in the women’s singles semi-finals and leads the head-to-head between the pair 4-1.
Yet, Keys did win their last hard-court meeting in Cincinnati in 2022.
"Madison is a great player and really experienced, so you never know," Swiatek said.
"The match that I lost, she kind of killed me, so I think it can be tricky."
Australian Open: *Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 5-6 Lorenzo Sonego
08:23 , Mike Jones
Sonego! He saves two break points then pings down a wide serve to the Shelton forehand.
Shelton misses it and the Italian takes the game.
Shelton is on the back foot once more and must hold serve to force a tie break.
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 5-5 Lorenzo Sonego*
08:19 , Mike Jones
Here we go!
Shelton has turned up the heat. Sonego sends over a volley but Shelton gets there and manages to lob the ball over the Italian’s head.
Sonego has to retreat but reaches the ball and tries to smash. He gets it wrong and leaves Shelton with a break point!
The American doesn’t take it. Shelton lifts the ball over the back of court and brings Sonego level at deuce.
The crowd ramps up too. They chant: “Lor-en-zo, Lor-en-zo, Lor-en-zo!”
It’s clear who their favourite is.
What are the Australian Open semi-finals?
08:16
Women’s singles
[1] Aryna Sabalenka vs [11] Paula Badosa
[19] Maddison Keys vs [2] Iga Swiatek
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 5-5 Lorenzo Sonego*
08:13 , Mike Jones
Deuce! It’s all to play for in this game. In intensity on Ben Shelton has ramped up immensely.
The American strides up to the net to move to advantage with a volley. He seems calm despite the wild swing in momentum.
A serve out to the backward is hooked out of play and Shelton holds!
This set can still go either way.
Australian Open: *Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 4-5 Lorenzo Sonego
08:09 , Mike Jones
Dominant.
Lorenzo Sonego holds his serve to love and moves within one game of bringing this match back to level terms.
Ben Shelton must hold his own serve or else he’s let a two-set lead slip away.
Dominant Iga Swiatek cruises into Australian Open semi-finals
08:08 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek continued her romp through the Australian Open draw with a quarter-final victory over Emma Navarro.
The Pole’s 6-1 6-2 win means she has dropped just 14 games so far in five matches – a feat bettered under the current format by only Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles and Steffi Graf.
But there was controversy after umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore did not spot a double bounce at a crucial moment in the fifth game of the second set.
Dominant Iga Swiatek cruises into Australian Open semi-finals
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 4-4 Lorenzo Sonego*
08:05 , Mike Jones
This is now the longest match of the tournament for both players - just what you want to see in the quarter-finals.
Shelton moves to a 30-0 lead but Sonego storms up to the net and volleys back a winner.
The American is feeling the pressure. He takes the next point and celebrates with a loud “come on!” and a fist pump.
Sonego takes the next point but the Italian can’t capitalise and finds the net in the following rally.
All square again.
Australian Open: *Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 3-4 Lorenzo Sonego
08:01 , Mike Jones
Oof! A powerful passing winner from Lorenzo Sonego nudges him closer to another hold of serve.
The fourth set has been relatively simple with no breaks of serve.
Both men are attempting to push hard against the serve with Sonego getting the slightly better opportunities to break.
The Italian holds serve again to keep the set ticking. There’s a tense feel descending on court now though as we get to the back end of the set.
Alcaraz on 'biggest mistake' versus Novak Djokovic:
07:55 , Mike Jones
“Honestly, I felt like I was controlling the match, and I let him get into the match again. I’m going to say that was the biggest mistake that I made today,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference yesterday.
“In the second set I had to play a little bit better just to push him even more to the limit. He had issues just moving a little bit in the second set. I had to push him a little bit more just to the limit, and I didn’t.
“After that, I think he started to feel better and he started playing at such a great level. That was my biggest mistake today. Obviously when Novak is at this level, it’s really difficult. I think I had my chances. It was a really close match.”
Carlos Alcaraz reveals ‘biggest mistake’ he made in defeat to Novak Djokovic
07:50 , Mike Jones
Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he made a “big mistake” in his Australian Open quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic when he saw his opponent was struggling with injury during the second set.
Djokovic managed to battle from a set down to reach a 12th Australian Open in a vintage display from the 37-year-old, but Alcaraz said he let the Serbian back into the match by taking his foot off the gas in the second set.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals ‘biggest mistake’ he made in defeat to Novak Djokovic
Australian Open: *Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 2-3 Lorenzo Sonego
07:47 , Mike Jones
The pair have traded blows with each managing to hold serve.
The issue for Shelton is that Sonego is playing his best tennis of the match and keeps finding the right angle to clip the sidelines.
The Italian also has the crowd on his side and is being buoyed on by their cheers and encouragement.
Another hold of serve comes for Sonego and he edges ahead in the fourth set.
The moment Carlos Alcaraz let Novak Djokovic mount an epic, improbable Australian Open comeback
07:42 , Mike Jones
When Carlos Alcaraz saw his great rival Novak Djokovic limp off the court towards the end of the first set of their blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final, the 21-year-old admitted to feeling a sense of relief.
Alcaraz’s experience of the Olympic final at Roland Garros, where Djokovic raised his level to win that elusive gold medal last summer in a hugely emotional defeat for the young Spaniard, ensured he needed no reminder of how fearsome an opponent the 37-year-old remains when fully fit.
But as Djokovic struggled to move from side to side, let alone return his groundstrokes on the run or hit through his opponent from the back of the court, Alcaraz’s shoulders relaxed.
Djokovic, head down, exited the Rod Laver Arena for a medical timeout, returning after several minutes with heavy strapping around his upper left leg.
A few moments later, Alcaraz wrapped up the first set; having beaten Djokovic in consecutive Wimbledon finals over best-of-five, it looked a long way back for the 10-time Australian Open champion.
The moment Carlos Alcaraz let Novak Djokovic mount an epic, improbable comeback
Djokovic on injury picked up versus Alcaraz:
07:36 , Mike Jones
“Since I am still in the tournament, I don’t want to reveal too much. The medication started to kick in.
“They helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose. If I’d lost that second set, I don’t know if I’d have continued playing.
“I felt better and better and managed to play a great couple of games at the end of the second set.
“Then I saw that Carlos was hesitant a little bit at the back of the court and I took my chances, started to feel better and move better.
“It didn’t bother me or create any hindrance towards the end of the match. When the medication starts to release, I’ll see what the reality is tomorrow morning.
“Right now I am just trying to be in the moment and enjoy this victory.”
Australian Open: Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 1-1 Lorenzo Sonego*
07:35 , Mike Jones
Sonego backs up his third set victory with a fine, though testing, hold of serve in the first game of the fourth set.
In response Shelton, who seems ever-so-slightly rattled, flies through his first service game with a hold to love.
His composure may be back and if so Sonego has his work cut out.
Novak Djokovic on beating Carlos Alcaraz
07:31 , Mike Jones
How did Novak Djokovic find his best level at the grand slams, in over a year, after taking a medical timeout and struggling with injury in the first set?
Following his victory over Carlos Alcaraz he said: “With my two legs and two arms, I guess. Or one and a half legs.
“First, I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos and everything he stands for and has achieved so far in his career.
“What a terrific guy he is and an even better competitor, the youngest No 1 in the world in history, four grand slams.
“I’m sure we are going to see a lot of him. He’s going to be there for sure longer than me. I just wish that this match today was the final, honestly.
“I don’t know if Sacha Zverev is still awake and watching this. One of the most epic matches that I’ve played on any court.”
Alexander Zverev reaches Australian Open semi-finals despite feather causing bizarre interruption
07:26 , Mike Jones
Djokovic will face Alexander Zverev after the German reached his third Australian Open semi-final with a four-set win over American Tommy Paul, but only after a farcical row with the umpire over a feather dropping onto the court.
The second seed, who is bidding for a first grand slam title, had lost both his previous two meetings against Paul but proved the stronger in the big moments to win 7-6 (1) 7-6 (0) 2-6 6-1.
But when a break down in the second set, trailing 4-2, Paul sent a serve down at deuce, but just as the rally developed a feather dropped onto the court before the German could strike a sliced backhand.
Umpire Forcadell called let and ordered the players to replay the point, sparking an angry response from Zverev.
Zverev reaches Australian Open semi-finals after feather causes bizarre interruption
Australian Open: SET! Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5, 4-6 Lorenzo Sonego
07:22 , Mike Jones
Lorenzo Sonego is fighting for his life against the United States’ Ben Shelton.
Sonego is two sets down in their quarter-final but had the chance to win the third set and pushed a forehand too long.
Shelton is defending his own serve, and goes through three deuces leaving Sonego a second set point.
The Italian focuses on consistency and keeping the ball in play. Shelton tries to force the issue and punts a forehand too long!
Sonego takes the third set! This match is back on.
Alexander Zverev through to Australian Open semi-finals
07:21 , Mike Jones
Alexander Zverev is through to the Australian Open finals for the second year in a row after riding his luck to beat American Tommy Paul.
Paul served for the first and second sets but Zverev broke back and then played excellent tiebreaks, eventually winning 7-6 (1) 7-6 (0) 2-6 6-1.
“I should have been down two sets to love,” Zverev said. “He played better than me, I was not playing great and I thought he was.
“I won the first set somehow, won the second set somehow. The fourth set was definitely the best I’ve played and I’m obviously extremely happy to be back in the semi-finals.”
Zverev will play Novak Djokovic in the last four.
Where can I watch the Australian Open?
07:15 , Mike Jones
In the UK, the Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Subscribers can also stream the action online on the Eurosport website or with the discovery+ app.
The tournament takes place every day from midnight UK time each day on the outside courts and 1am on the show courts, while night sessions will start at 8am.
When is Jannik Sinner v Alex De Minaur?
07:10 , Mike Jones
The match has been scheduled last on Rod Laver Arena, and will follow the men’s quarter-final between Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Sonego.
The pair are due on court from 8.30am though that could be pushed back depending on the result of the earlier quarter-final.
Good morning
07:05 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner aims to take one step closer to the Australian Open title when he faces Alex De Minaur in a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final clash in Melbourne.
Sinner is the No.1 seed for the tournament and has impressed with his simplistic and heavy-hitting style so far but will face a hostile crowd as he takes on the Australian.
25-year-old De Minaur has only dropped one set during his run to the last eight and will be confident of securing an upset this morning.
The two are due on court following the conclusion of Ben Shelton’s match against Lorenzo Sonego with their quarter-final scheduled to start at 8.30am GMT.
Follow for all the build-up ahead of a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final
