Australian Open: Sinner enjoying experience of being defending champion

Jannik Sinner says he is "not taking anything for granted" as he enjoys the experience of playing the Australian Open as the defending champion after reaching the semi-finals.

The Italian, who had struggled with illness during his fourth-round win over Holger Rune, cruised into the final four after beating home favourite Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-2 6-1 in straight sets on Wednesday.

In the process, Sinner became the youngest player to reach back-to-back men's singles semi-finals at the Australian Open since Rafael Nadal (2008 and 2009). He has also now won 19 consecutive grand slam matches on hard courts, becoming the youngest player to do so since John McEnroe (between 1979 and 1981).

Sinner has reached his fifth major semi-final, but it is the first time he has done so as the reigning champion.

Asked how that was different from previous tournaments, Sinner said: "Every time is different, no?

"The first times you always remember. And then when you do it again, you're still very, very happy to be here. You know, we just never take things for granted. I'm happy to be here.

"I'm happy trying to bring some good tennis when it counts, and that's it. I like the conditions here to play, and the crowd is amazing. It was very respectful today. Knowing that playing against Alex here, it's not easy.

"I'm just trying to enjoy this moment, and then we see how it goes."

20 - Jannik Sinner has moved to 20-4 at the Australian Open – Sinner (24) has now taken the equal-fewest matches to register 20 Men’s Singles wins at the event since 2000, along with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Machine.#AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/WUDbHoxJ0A
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 22, 2025

Sinner now holds a 10-0 record over De Minaur at ATP level, with nine of those wins coming in straight sets.

The Australian is also one of just three opponents that the 23-year-old remains undefeated against.

"Well, there are some... It's different when these kinds of scenarios happen," Sinner said about meeting De Minaur.

"I feel like every match is still different. Sometimes the momentum of a match can change very, very quickly.

"If he makes me break in the second set, then the crowd gets involved and it can change fast. I was very, very good when I was playing some good tennis, so I kept bringing my tennis today, and that helped for sure.

"But in the past matches, there were some close ones. If we take the Rotterdam final, for example, last year, this could go a little bit both ways. On the other hand, I always have to expect something different from him.

"Every time we play, you never know what's coming. So, I have to be very prepared for every single thing. [On Wednesday], I was prepared."

Sinner will face Blake Shelton in the semi-finals, and holds a 4-1 head-to-head record against the American, winning the only previous grand slam meeting against him, and he expects a challenge when he next steps onto the court.

"Tough match. One of the biggest serves we have on tour," Sinner added. "He's a very aggressive player, an all-around player.

"He can go to the net. He can stay back. We also have to see the conditions, and then we see.

"It's a difficult match for both of us. We know each other a little bit better now. We had some tough matches in the last year, so let's see what's coming."