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.

American Ben Shelton faces No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open men's semifinals with a spot in the final on the line. What to know.

Jannik Sinner is a win away from the Australian Open title defense! The two-time Major champion faced the American Ben Shelton in the semi-final and scored a solid 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph in two hours and 36 minutes.

Ben Shelton has reached his first Australian Open semifinal by defeating Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in an entertaining match.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his sizzling Australian Open run with a victory over American Ben Shelton.

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.