Jim Courier reveals what Jannik Sinner’s coaching team were telling him about Ben Shelton after Australian Open semi-final

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Jannik Sinner finds himself in a second-successive Australian Open final, having beaten Ben Shelton in their semi-final.

ATP number one Sinner has won his two Grand Slam finals to date, triumphing at the 2024 Australian Open final and 2024 French Open final.

Shelton garnered support from Danielle Collins for his criticism of broadcasters at the event, before falling short against the top seed in Melbourne.

Sinner beat Shelton 7-6(7-2), 6-2, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, with the same venue now playing host to his final against Alexander Zverev.

The Italian won in straight sets after two hours and 36 minutes, with Djokovic having retired hurt against Zverev while one set down after one hour and 21 minutes.

Jannik Sinner’s coaching team impressed with Ben Shelton’s groundstrokes

Sinner thinks Shelton didn’t serve at his best in their clash, and that is a feeling that the former’s team also shared in Melbourne.

Sharing insight from the winning circle was former world number one Jim Courier, who said of Shelton on Eurosport: “I thought before the match we would be seeing more of that [going to the net].

“Perhaps out of respect or fear of Sinner’s returns and passing shots, he didn’t do that but I was as impressed with his groundstroke game as I have ever been. I have seen big improvements in that area for him. I think that he is still evolving very much.

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“I talked with Simone Vagnozzi, one of Jannik Sinner’s coaches, and he said when we played him before he served better than tonight but we haven’t seen him with the groundstrokes like this, with the slices.

“They were impressed with what he brought to the table. But it is still very much a work in progress for him.

“The fact he has already played his second slam semi-final and he still has so many things to work on is a net positive for Ben Shelton.”

What were Ben Shelton’s match stats in Australian Open loss to Jannik Sinner?

At 22, Shelton now has two Grand Slam semi-finals to his name, having also reached that stage at the 2023 US Open.

He may be somewhat disappointed with his latest showing at Rod Laver Arena, but taking points off the world number one is no mean feat.

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Sinner produced another composed, dominant display to land a place in another Grand Slam final, which will see the top two players in the world go head-to-head.

Shelton meanwhile can leave Australia with his head held high, even if his head-to-head record against Sinner has now moved to 1-5.

He did manage seven aces during the encounter, but also struggled with six double faults, with a win on his first serve of just 57%.