Jannik Sinner Vs Ben Shelton, Australian Open 2026: Defending Champion Marches Into Semifinals

Jannik Sinner stayed in cruise control at Melbourne Park, beating eighth seed Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to extend his Australian Open winning streak to 19 matches and seal another semifinal showdown with Novak Djokovic. Under the Rod Laver Arena lights, the two-time defending champion absorbed Shelton’s huge serve with ease, dictated from the baseline, and never allowed the American a way back. Shelton has now lost nine straight meetings with Sinner, who heads into his latest clash with Djokovic carrying a five-match winning run against the Serbian.

Updated on: 28 January 2026 7:55 pm

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-1

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after defeating Ben Shelton of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

1/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-2

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after defeating Ben Shelton of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

2/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-3

Ben Shelton of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

3/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-4

4/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-5

Jannik Sinner of Italy serves to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

5/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-6

Ben Shelton of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

6/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-7

Ben Shelton of the U.S. falls during his quarterfinal match against Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

7/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-8

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara

8/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-9

Ben Shelton of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin

9/9

Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton Australian Open tennis-10

Ben Shelton of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Dar Yasin