Sinner stops De Minaur and surges into Australian Open semis

Defending champion Jannik Sinner defeats Alex de Minaur to reach Australian Open semi-finals, aiming for third major trophy.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner dismissed eighth seed Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-2 6-1 to reach the Australian Open semi-finals and extend the country's decades-long wait for another homegrown singles winner at the Grand Slam on Wednesday (January 22, 2025).

Italian Sinner, whose Grand Slam breakthrough came in last year's tournament at Melbourne Park, will take on American 21st seed Ben Shelton with his sights set on a third major trophy after also lifting the U.S. Open title in September.

Defeat extinguished local favourite De Minaur's ambitious bid to end Australia's 49-year wait for a men's champion since Mark Edmondson's triumph but fans at a packed Rod Laver Arena gave him a standing ovation for his valiant effort.

"I feel like today I was feeling everything," Sinner said.

"When you break so early in each set it's a bit easier. But he's a tough competitor, an amazing player. So many people came here for him tonight, but it was an amazing atmosphere.

"We know each other quite well. We played so many times, we know each other's game so we try to prepare in the best possible way. These matches can go quickly, but things can change fast."

De Minaur had a mountain to climb from the start, with the 25-year-old needing a maiden victory over Sinner in their 10th meeting to become the first man from his nation to reach the Melbourne semi-finals since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago.