It was a demonstration of mental strength from the reigning champion, also the world's number one in tennis.
In a tough first set, he saved two set points and then clearly won the set in a tiebreak, 7–6 (7–2).
I don't know how I managed. It was a very tough first set, and it was decisive. Winning the first set always gives a confidence boost, says Sinner in the post-match interview on Max.
Then he utilized the psychological advantage by breaking Ben Shelton's two first games in the second set. Sinner won clearly, 6–2.
In the third set, it suddenly looked bleak for the Italian. The game was still sharp, but he started to clutch his thigh and hobbled around the court between points.
But when it seemed to be affecting him the most, he raised his game to a new level. He broke Shelton's serve again, this time to 3–2, and then the American was a beaten man. The third set also ended 6–2 after Shelton hit the match ball into the net.
It was just very tense today, I got a bit of cramp, explains Sinner.
But he also looked like he had some problems with his legs, so I tried to force him to move a lot. These kinds of matches tend to become very, very drawn-out, so I'm very glad to be able to decide in three straight.
In Sunday's final, Alexander Zverev, Germany, awaits, whose semifinal opponent Novak Djokovic gave up due to an injury.
