Jannik Sinner defended Novak Djokovic's decision to retire during his semifinal match at the 2025 Australian Open.

Jannik Sinner has overcome some third-set cramping to beat Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 to return to the Australian Open final as he pursues a third Grand Slam title.

It is the third consecutive Slam on hard courts after the Australian Open and the US Open last year, which will see Jannik Sinner as finalist and undisputed ruler, on this surface.

SportsLine's Jose Onorato reveals his picks for the 2025 Australian Open men's semifinal match between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton on Friday morning

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up." What does this Rocky Balboa quote have to do with the Australian Open final? Quite a lot, actually.

The win sets up a showdown with Alexander Zverev of Germany in Sunday’s final. Earlier Friday, Zverev won the first set of his semifinal when Novak Djokovic missed a putaway volley in a tiebreak. Djokovic retired on the spot, unable to overcome the muscle tear he suffered in his quarterfinal win over Carlos Alcaraz Tuesday night.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame an early test against American Ben Shelton to reach his second straight Australian Open final, winning 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his sizzling Australian Open run with a 7-6(2) 6-2 6-2 win over American 21st seed Ben Shelton to reach a second straight final at Melbourne Park and book a meeting with Alexander Zverev.