Why Each Australian Open Men’s Semifinalist Can Win the Title

Why Each Australian Open Men’s Semifinalist Can Win the Title

MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian Open has reached its thrilling climax, and after 11 days of intense competition, we are down to the final four contenders. The excitement is palpable as Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and Ben Shelton vie for the prestigious title. Each player brings a unique story and set of skills to the court, making this semifinal lineup one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Let’s dive into why each of these tennis stars has a legitimate shot at lifting the trophy.

Jannik Sinner (1)

Jannik Sinner has been a force to be reckoned with over the past year. In 2024, he achieved remarkable success, winning the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, amassing over $19 million in prize money, and securing the world’s No. 1 ranking. His dominance on the court is undeniable, and he’s been on a tear at Melbourne Park, winning 15 of his last 16 matches, with 10 of those victories coming without dropping a set.

Despite facing some challenges, such as illness and heat during his fourth-round win over Holger Rune, Sinner bounced back with a commanding performance against Alex de Minaur, losing just six games in a one-sided quarterfinal. “I feel like the illness has gone away now,” Sinner said, exuding confidence. “I was feeling much, much better. I felt like today was a very great match from my side … the best match of the tournament.”

Sinner’s path to the final has been relatively smooth, as he has yet to face a player who has reached a major semifinal. His upcoming match against Ben Shelton, whom he has defeated in their last four encounters, seems favorable. If he advances, he will face either Djokovic or Zverev, both of whom he has beaten in recent meetings. The title is Sinner’s to lose.

Alexander Zverev (2)

Alexander Zverev has been knocking on the door of Grand Slam success for years. The German world No. 2 has reached 10 major semifinals and was a runner-up at the US Open in 2020 and the French Open in 2024. His performance at Roland Garros was a highlight of a career-best season, during which he won two Masters 1000 titles and notched 69 wins.

Zverev’s journey to the semifinals has been impressive, and he faces a formidable opponent in Djokovic. However, Zverev has defeated Djokovic in two of their last four meetings, including a hard-court semifinal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Zverev’s serve has been a key weapon, with a 71% first-serve success rate, the best among the semifinalists. “I have set a goal that I want to achieve my dream of winning a Grand Slam, and I’m chasing that,” Zverev stated after his quarterfinal victory over Tommy Paul.

Novak Djokovic (7)

Novak Djokovic is synonymous with success at the Australian Open. With 10 titles to his name, he has been nearly unbeatable at Melbourne Park, losing just five times in the last 15 years. Despite not winning a Grand Slam in 2024, Djokovic remains a formidable force, having defeated world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz twice, including a recent victory in an epic Australian Open quarterfinal.

Djokovic’s resilience is legendary, and even a leg injury sustained during his match against Alcaraz hasn’t dampened his spirits. “I’ll take it day by day. It’s really about my recovery,” Djokovic said. An 11th Australian Open title would give him a record-breaking 25th major title, making him the oldest man to win a major at 37 years, 8 months, and three days.

Ben Shelton (21)

Ben Shelton enters the semifinals with a sense of freedom and opportunity. As the underdog, he faces less pressure than his opponents, allowing him to play with a fearless attitude. Shelton’s journey to this stage has been marked by growth and improvement, as he has become a more well-rounded player since his US Open semifinal appearance in 2023.

Shelton’s serve is his greatest asset, clocking the fastest serve of the tournament at 232kph (144.2mph). He has been broken just six times in 98 service games, and his ability to win points quickly has been a game-changer. “I’m winning in different ways, for sure,” Shelton said after his quarterfinal win over Lorenzo Sonego. “For me, that’s the growth. I’ve been working every single day to become a more well-rounded player.”

While oddsmakers may not favor Shelton, his powerful serve and fearless approach make him a dangerous opponent. As the semifinals approach, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at the Australian Open.