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.

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.

"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.

Jannik Sinner is one match away from defending a Grand Slam title for the first time in his career after reaching the Australian Open final.

Jannik Sinner advanced to his second successive Australian Open final as he overcame Ben Shelton with a convincing straight-set victory. The world No 1 prevailed 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-final encounter to earn his fifth straight win over Shelton and improve his overall head-to-head record against the 22-year-old American to 5-1.