Under the bright lights of Melbourne Park, Italy's defending champion Jannik Sinner 🔥 delivered a stunning performance, dismissing Australia's Alex de Minaur 💔 with a decisive 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory on Wednesday to reach the Australian Open semifinals.
Sinner, 23, whose Grand Slam breakthrough came at last year's tournament, showed no mercy as he extended the host nation's wait for a homegrown men's singles winner. The last Australian man to claim the title was Mark Edmondson back in 1976—a 49-year drought that De Minaur had hoped to end.
\"I feel like today I was feeling everything,\" Sinner said after the match. \"When you break so early in each set, it's a bit easier 😎. But he's a tough competitor, an amazing player. So many people came here for him tonight, but it was an amazing atmosphere. We know each other quite well—we've played so many times, and 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.\"
The 25-year-old De Minaur had a mountain to climb ⛰️ from the start, needing his first-ever win over Sinner in their tenth meeting to become the first Aussie man since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago to reach the Melbourne semifinals. Despite his valiant effort and the roaring support from the packed Rod Laver Arena, it wasn't to be.
The early exchanges were electrifying⚡, resembling a high-energy pinball game with big baseline hitting from both players. But Sinner broke for a 3-1 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Showing no signs of the illness that troubled him in his previous round, Sinner dominated with flawless serving and spectacular shots that left De Minaur looking a bit demoralized.
\"Yesterday was an easy day; I played just 30-40 minutes with my coaches in practice,\" Sinner shared. \"They gave me a good rhythm. I feel when you're young, you recover fast! I really like to sleep 😴, so I rested in the best possible way to recover and try to be ready.\"
De Minaur fought back to earn a break point 💪, but Sinner slammed the door shut, doubling his advantage and never looking back. Breezing through the third set, he sealed the match with one final break of serve.
Up next, Sinner will face American 21st seed Ben Shelton 🇺🇸, with his sights set on a third major title after also lifting the U.S. Open trophy in September 🏆. He's on a mission, and nothing seems to be slowing him down.
As for De Minaur, the Aussie fans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation 👏. While the wait for a homegrown champion continues, De Minaur's determination and spirit keep the hope alive for Australian tennis fans. Onward and upward! 🌟
Reference(s):
Sublime Sinner stops De Minaur and reaches Australian Open semifinals
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