The American is now set for one of the biggest matches of his career when he takes on the defending champion in Friday’s semi-final at Melbourne Park.

Handing Jannik Sinner his first loss at the Australian Open since 2023 will be a tough task, but it is one that Ben Shelton is more than ready for.

What is Ben Shelton planning to change against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open?

Shelton won his very first meeting against Sinner at the 2023 Shanghai Masters, but he has found life against the Italian very difficult since then.

He has lost the last four matches against the World number one and failed to win a set in any of those matches.

Therefore, with Sinner in imperious form, Shelton knows he must change something in his game if he wants to end the top seed’s winning run at the Australian Open.

“I think it’s a calculated risk. You have to choose your moments, still be confident in the things that you trust,,” he told reporters. “I don’t think I’ll be redlining.

“If anything, I’ve been, in terms of my baseline play, a bit more conservative this tournament, okay with going deep in rallies. Probably have to step that up a little bit in the semifinals.

“But I don’t think that ‘redlining’ would be the term. I think that a more aggressive game style, that’s taking the ball a little earlier or serve and volleying more or taking the first ball line and running in instead of, you know, hitting five or six forehands in a row.

“I think that I’m figuring out ways to make guys uncomfortable without just playing at my upper limits and slapping.”

Ben Shelton emulates Frances Tiafoe by reaching Australian Open semi-finals

Shelton finds himself two matches away from Australian Open glory and the first Grand Slam title of his career.

By reaching the last four in Melbourne, he became the second active man to reach multiple major semi-finals after compatriot Frances Tiafoe.

He is also the second active man from the Untied States to reach the Australian Open semis after Tommy Paul, who defeated Shelton to make the last four in 2023.

Shelton roared with delight after making the final four and was pleased to secure his very first win inside the iconic Rod Laver Arena.

“I feel relieved right now, shoutout to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis,” said Shelton in his on-court interview.

“I’m just really happy to be through, to get my first win on Rod Laver Arena. Thanks everybody for coming out, it was one of my favourite matches of my career.”

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