Sinner eases past Shelton into Wimbledon semifinals
This marks the 22-year-old Italian's second trip to the Wimbledon last-four, having first reached this stage in 2023. Showcasing his trademark poise and tactical sharpness, Sinner neutralised Shelton's explosive serve and attacking game with clean ball-striking, deep returns, and intelligent court positioning.
The match was billed as a clash of contrasting styles, Shelton, the flamboyant left-hander known for his raw power and aggressive net play, against the cool, calculated rhythm of Sinner. The American fired 12 aces and frequently surpassed 135 mph on his serve, but Sinner absorbed the heat, rarely flustered, and dictated key moments with surgical precision.
The first set unfolded as a tight contest, with neither player facing break points. In the tie-break, Sinner capitalised on a pair of unforced errors from Shelton to take control, clinching it 7-6(4) with calm authority.
That breakthrough gave the top seed the momentum. In the second set, Sinner pounced on a loose service game from Shelton at 3-3, converting the lone break with a precise forehand winner down the line. He then served out the set comfortably, never facing a break point.
Sinner's own service games were nearly untouchable, he won 85% of his first-serve points and maintained flawless composure throughout the match. The third set followed a similar pattern. A break in the fifth game put him ahead, and he never let go of the lead, closing out the win in just over two hours.
Now two wins away from lifting his second career Grand Slam title, after his triumph at the Australian Open earlier this year, Sinner awaits either seven-time champion Novak Djokovic or fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli in the semifinals. UNI BDN SSP
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