Australian Open: Jannick Sinner’s title defence on song as he cruises into decider

Top-ranked titleholder Jannik Sinner will defend his Australian Open crown against Alexander Zverev after storming into the final with a straight sets win over American showman Ben Shelton.

Sinner fought off a spirited early challenge from world No.20 Shelton before taking control in a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-2 flex at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.

The 23-year-old Italian will face second-ranked German Zverev in Sunday’s title decider, having lost only one set en route to the final for the second straight year.

Sinner, who dismantled Australian Alex de Minaur for the loss of just six games in the quarter-finals, was forced to fight for his spot in another title decider.

After suffering “dizzy spells” in the heat during his win over Holger Rune on Monday, Sinner was briefly on his haunches only 30 minutes into the clash with Shelton and was unusually demonstrative towards his coaching pod in the first set.

But Shelton let Sinner off the hook when he wasted one set point in the 12th game and faltered with his forehand in the tiebreaker.

Sinner won 11 of the last 14 points of the set and took the energy out of the contest with a dominant second set.

Left-hander Shelton had work on his right quadriceps between sets but it was Sinner who physically struggled the most in the third.

Battling cramp in his legs, he led 3-2 when he called for pickle juice and treatment at a change of ends.

The ailment led to a change of tactics as Sinner tried to keep points short and rattled off several impressive winners to seal the match.

Shelton, who surprised even himself with his run to a second career grand slam semi-final, put up a gallant fight against the world No.1.

But the 22-year-old will have to wait longer in his bid to become the first American man to win a grand slam title since Andy Roddick’s US Open victory in 2003.