Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner has shaken off health concerns after a rocky fourth-round match against Holger Rune, confirming that recent blood tests returned positive results. The world No. 1 now sets his sights on a semifinal showdown with American sensation Ben Shelton, fully focused and feeling rejuvenated.
Sinner’s Health Scare: A Morning to Forget
Sinner’s path to the semifinals hit an unexpected hurdle during his clash with Rune. Struggling with dizziness and fatigue, Sinner required a medical timeout, raising concerns about his title defense. Despite the setback, the Italian dug deep, using his powerful serve and shorter rallies to overcome Rune in four sets.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Sinner admitted he had felt unwell from the moment he woke up. “I had a bad morning, and it stayed with me throughout the match,” Sinner shared. “It was a tough day, but I’m glad I fought through.”
Blood Tests and a Boost of Confidence
After the Rune match, Sinner’s team conducted blood tests to rule out any serious issues. Fortunately, the results were encouraging, and the 23-year-old entered his quarterfinal against Alex de Minaur feeling much improved.
“After the match against Holger, we ran some blood tests. They were all solid, all good,” Sinner told reporters. “Sometimes you just feel off, but today I woke up feeling much better. When I went on court, I felt great, and the adrenaline helped a lot.”
Dominating de Minaur and Looking Ahead
Sinner’s health and confidence were on full display in his quarterfinal, where he demolished local favorite de Minaur in straight sets. His movement and energy were a far cry from the struggles of the previous round, and his powerful groundstrokes overwhelmed the Australian.
As Sinner prepares to face Ben Shelton, he takes comfort in the cooler evening conditions, which should help prevent a recurrence of his earlier issues. “I’m still not perfect, but I’m confident that I’ll be 100% in a couple of days,” Sinner said. “Against Shelton, the adrenaline and focus will make all the difference.”
Shelton Awaits: Firepower vs. Resilience
Shelton’s aggressive serve and baseline game will present a new challenge for Sinner, who thrives on long rallies and consistent pressure. However, Sinner’s demolition of de Minaur—a player lacking the firepower Shelton possesses—serves as a reminder of his ability to adapt and dominate.
With both players eyeing a spot in the final, Sinner knows his opponent’s explosive game could turn the match into a battle of fine margins. “Shelton has a massive serve and big groundstrokes,” Sinner acknowledged. “It will come down to who executes better on the key points.”
Aiming for History
As the evening match looms, all eyes will be on whether Jannik Sinner can deliver another commanding performance and move one step closer to defending his title. With a clean bill of health and renewed confidence, the Italian star is ready to rise to the challenge against a surging American rival.