Jannik Sinner rolls, Ben Shelton slams media

On By Littum

With the support of the entire nation behind him, eighth seed Alex de Minaur had plenty of momentum heading into Thursday’s quarter-finals at the Australian Open. But he was no match for top seed Jannik Sinner as he fell in straight sets, extending the home country’s long wait for its next men’s singles champion.

Sinner, whose Grand Slam breakthrough came at last year’s tournament at Melbourne Park, cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory and the Italian will take on American Ben Shelton aiming for a third major trophy after also winning US Open in September.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN BRACKET: Full schedule, results, TV times

De Minaur was looking to end Australia’s nearly half-century wait for a men’s champion since Mark Edmondson did it in 1976. The fans at a packed Rod Laver Arena gave him a standing ovation for his valiant effort.

“He’s a tough competitor, a great player,” Sinner said. “So many people came here for him tonight, but it was a great atmosphere.

“We know each other pretty well. We played so many times, we know each other’s games, so we try to prepare in the best way possible. These games can go fast, but things can change quickly.”

Sinner, 23, has never lost to De Minaur in their 10 career meetings. He showed no signs of the illness that caused him to struggle in his last fight.

Ben Shelton slams media for being ‘disrespectful’

Australian Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton has taken Grand Slam interviewers to task for being “disrespectful” to players.

The American reached his first semi-final at Melbourne Park on Wednesday with a four-set win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego at Rod Laver Arena.

He was interviewed on court by Australian former Davis Cup player John Fitzgerald, who suggested no one would be rooting for the American in his semi-final, with his opponent yet to be confirmed between defending champion Jannik Sinner or local hope Alex De Minaur .

On the court, Shelton laughed off the comment, but he was scathing in his postgame press conference.

“I’ve been a little shocked this week at how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton told reporters.

“I don’t think the guy who mocked Novak (Djokovic), I don’t think it was just a single event.

“I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.”

Tennis Australia, the tournament’s organisers, have been contacted for comment.

Djokovic was annoyed by comments made on television by Australian broadcaster Tony Jones, who said the Serb was “overrated” and a “has been”.

Djokovic declined to do the usual on-court interview after his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday pending a public apology from Jones.

Shelton said he was also put off during his post-fight interview after playing 38-year-old Frenchman Gael Monfils in the fourth round.

“There are some comments that have been made to me in interviews after the game by a few different guys, whether it was, ‘Hey, (Gael) Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he’s your dad ‘.” Shelton added.

“Or today on the field, ‘Hey Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next game, no one’s cheering for you?’

“I mean that might be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful coming from a guy I’ve never met before in my life.”

Shelton signed off by saying that the broadcasters should help grow the sport and help athletes who won fights on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments.

“I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change,” he said.

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