Ben Shelton beats Lorenzo Sonego to reach Australian Open semi-finals
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Ben Shelton battled to a four-set win over Lorenzo Sonego to reach his second grand slam semi-final. The big-serving American made his breakthrough at the Australian Open two years ago with a run to the quarter-finals on his debut before bettering that at the US Open.
The draw at Melbourne Park has opened up for the 22-year-old and he has taken full advantage, with his latest triumph a 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (4) victory over unseeded Italian Sonego. Sonego, ranked 55 and playing in his first slam quarter-final, attacked the net repeatedly and threatened to take the contest to a deciding set.
Shelton showed his desire during the fourth-set tie-break by hurling himself across the court in an effort to retrieve a volley. After lying sprawled by the advertising hoardings, he showed he was still fighting fit with a press up. And moments later Shelton was roaring with delight after booking a last-four spot, where he will face either world number one Jannik Sinner or home favourite Alex De Minaur.
