World number two Jannik Sinner is one step closer to a third straight Australian Open title after dispatching American eighth seed Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday. The four-time Grand Slam champion recorded his 19th consecutive victory at Melbourne Park with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 triumph under cooler conditions compared to the previous day’s heatwave.

Sinner hit 33 winners and kept his game consistent, forcing Shelton into more than double the number of unforced errors. After two hours and 23 minutes, the Italian raised his arms in celebration, setting up a semifinal showdown with 38-year-old Novak Djokovic.

“We are still lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis at his age. Hopefully, it will be a great battle,” Sinner said ahead of what promises to be another epic clash at Rod Laver Arena. The 2024 semifinal between Sinner and Djokovic saw the Italian upset the 10-time champion in a dramatic encounter.

Djokovic survives Musetti injury to reach semifinals

Djokovic advanced after fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt while trailing 1-3 in the third set, following a 6-4, 6-3 deficit. The Italian had been on course for a career-defining victory before an upper-right leg injury forced him off court.

Before the retirement, Djokovic required a medical timeout for a blister on his right foot. “I feel really sorry for him. He was a far better player, I was on my way home,” Djokovic said. The 23-year-old Musetti became the first professional-era player to retire from a Grand Slam quarterfinal after winning the first two sets, describing the forced exit as “really painful.”

Swiatek stunned by Rybakina as Pegula advances

In the women’s draw, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek suffered a shock quarterfinal defeat against Elena Rybakina. The 2022 Wimbledon champion was overpowered in a 7-5, 6-1 loss after just one hour and 35 minutes. Rybakina remains flawless in the tournament, not having dropped a set heading into the semifinals.

Rybakina will face in-form Jessica Pegula, who cruised past Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (1) in an all-American clash. Pegula, the 2024 US Open finalist, also remains unbeaten in sets and continues her pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title. Anisimova, the fourth seed, fell short and was unable to reach her third straight Grand Slam final.

Thursday will see top seed Aryna Sabalenka meet 12th seed Elina Svitolina in the women’s semifinals, followed by Rybakina versus Pegula at Rod Laver Arena. In doubles action, China’s Zhang Shuai and Belgium’s Elise Mertens, the fourth seeds, advance to the semifinals.