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.

It is the third consecutive Slam on hard courts after the Australian Open and the US Open last year, which will see Jannik Sinner as finalist and undisputed ruler, on this surface.

The Australian Open men's final between Sinner and Zverev starts at 8:30am UK time on Sunday, January 26. It will be played on Rod Laver Arena, and will be best-of-five sets, with the fifth set decided by a 10-point tie-break if it goes to 6-6.

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.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his sizzling Australian Open run with a 7-6(2) 6-2 6-2 win over American 21st seed Ben Shelton to reach a second straight final at Melbourne Park and book a meeting with Alexander Zverev.

Jannik Sinner rolled into yet another hardcourt major final as the American men’s drought continues. Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending champion, reached his second straight Australian Open final with a 7-6(2),