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Ben Shelton shocks Lorenzo Sonego to advance to first Australian Open semi-final: Is this the rise of a new American tennis superstar?


en Shelton continues to prove why he is one of the hottest names in tennis. With a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 victory over Lorenzo Sonego, Shelton stormed into his first Australian Open semifinal. The milestone not only marks his second Grand Slam semifinal appearance, but also solidifies his status as America’s brightest hope in men’s tennis.

The match: Strength and power on display

Facing a difficult opponent in Sonego, Shelton showed composure under pressure. He used his explosive serve and ability to hit fearlessly to win the first two sets. Although Sonego fought back in the third set, pushing Shelton to his limits, the 22-year-old American kept his cool in a thrilling fourth-set tiebreak to seal the deal.

It was a match filled with twists, dramatic rallies and Shelton’s signature powerful forehand. With 14 aces and a success rate of 79% on his first serve, the young talent demonstrated why he is considered a future Grand Slam contender.

Shelton’s rise: A beacon for American men’s tennis

Shelton’s journey has been meteoric. After bursting onto the scene last year with a quarter-final run at the US Open, he has now taken it a step further in Melbourne. His 2025 season is off to a flying start, posting a 5-1 record and a level of maturity beyond his years.

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As the last American man left in contention, Shelton reignited hopes of a U.S. Grand Slam men’s champion—a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Andy Roddick’s victory at the 2003 U.S. Open.

The Road Ahead: A Chance to Make History

The stakes have never been higher as Shelton enters uncharted territory. With his powerful game and unwavering confidence, he has the tools to pose problems for even the most experienced opponents. Whether he faces a seasoned rival or another young talent in the semifinals, Shelton’s fearless approach will make him a formidable opponent.

For now, Shelton isn’t just playing to win games; he is playing to build a legacy in American tennis.

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