Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner dropped just six games as he dominated home favorite Alex de Minaur and stormed into a semi-final showdown with big man Ben Shelton.
The world No. 1, who admitted he struggled during his fourth round battle with Holger Runereturned to top form to destroy De Minaur's hopes on Rod Laver Arena with a comprehensive 6-3 6-2 6-1 victory.
Sinner produced a ball-striking masterclass to extend his winning streak against eighth seed Sydney to 10-0, including the last 20 straight sets.
He said of his physical condition: “(Tuesday) was a very easy day, I only played half an hour and 40 minutes. I feel like, especially when you're young, you recover very quickly. I really like to sleep so I try to rest in the best possible way.
“I have a very experienced team with me, which I am very grateful and happy (for). I immediately (knew) that I was ready for today. Let's see what comes now in the semi-finals.”
A hopeful crowd tried to lift their man but Sinner was relentless and wrapped up victory after just one hour and 48 minutes.
“I feel like I felt everything today,” the 23-year-old said. “When you have days like this and you take a break early in each set, it makes it a little bit easier.
“These kinds of matches can go quickly, but they can also change very quickly if I drop my level a little bit. I'm very happy with my performance today.”
How Sinner made it to the semi-finals…
De Minaur had a mountain to climb from the outset, with the 25-year-old needing a first win over Sinner to become the first man from his nation to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago.
The early exchanges were encouraging and resembled a game of pinball with big baseline shots from both players, before Sinner broke for a 3-1 lead that set the stage to take the first set.
Sinner broke early in the second set, hitting a spectacular crosscourt forehand winner along the way to make his opponent look a little demoralized.
Sinner's weight was too much for De Minaur, who was without fiancee Katie Boulter in her support camp after flying home to prepare for her next tournament.
Sinner didn't look back as he cruised through the first three games of the third set playing easy tennis and quickly wrapped up the match, ending it with one final break of serve.
Looking ahead to meeting Shelton on Friday, the Italian said: “I've had some very tough matches with him. He's one of the best servers on the tour and as a left-hander he has a different spin on the ball, so hopefully I'm ready and can return as much as possible service.”
Shelton survives a four-set, nearly four-hour war of attrition
Ben Shelton is in his second Grand Slam semifinal
The swagger, the big game, the colorful celebrations were on display Shelton battled to a four-set victory over Lorenzo Sonega to reach his second Grand Slam semifinal.
The big-serving American made a breakthrough at the Australian Open two years ago by reaching the quarter-finals on his debut before making amends at the US Open.
The Melbourne Park draw opened up for the 22-year-old and he took full advantage, with his latest triumph a 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) win over unseeded Italian Sonega.
Sonego, ranked 55th 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 tiebreak in the fourth set by throwing himself across the court in an attempt to return a volley. After lying sprawled against the advertising hoards, he showed that he is still fighting fit with the press.
And moments later, Shelton roared with delight after booking a place in the final four.
“I'm relieved right now,” the left-hander said. “Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis. I'm really happy to get through, get my first win on Rod Laver Arena. It's one of my favorite matches of my career.”
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