Ben Shelton's Frustration After Another Australian Open Loss to Jannik Sinner: 'I'm 100% Upset'

Shelton Analyzes Defeat to Sinner in Australian Open Quarterfinals, Vows to Keep Improving

© Marco Bertorello AFP

Arthur Millot

le 28/01/2026 à 13h34

2 min to read

Shelton Ben Sinner Jannik

For the second consecutive year, Ben Shelton ran into Jannik Sinner in Melbourne.

In the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open, the Italian once again imposed his dominance (6-3, 6-4, 6-4), extending his winning streak against the American left-hander to eight matches.

'The Difference Was on the Second Serve Return': Shelton's Analysis

Speaking to the press, Ben Shelton went into detail about the reasons for his defeat and outlined areas for improvement.

'He returned very well and was very solid on serve. The area where the difference was major today was the return of the second serve. That was a weakness for me compared to the rest of the tournament.

Otherwise, I played well from the baseline and served well. But I still need to improve my accuracy on the first serve. Meanwhile, the quality of the second serve return was the key to the match.'

'I'm Close'

Nevertheless, despite the loss, Shelton says he is on the right track and gradually getting closer to the very best.

'My level is better. I'm much less limited. The results don't always come when you want them, but I feel like I'm close to putting it all together. It will just take one time to break through that barrier. It's always been like that for me.

It's a matter of time and work. I'm trying to put all the pieces together, because I'm not yet complete. But I feel more and more complete.

I've become addicted to this game. To understanding things, to chasing the guys ahead of me. The pressure of a Grand Slam, there's nothing better.

Tonight, I'm 100% upset, but I have enormous confidence in myself and in the work I'm doing.

I've become much more serious in my preparation, my routines, my focus during a tournament. I'm a different player than I was 12 months ago.

Last year, my level dropped quickly and the last two sets weren't competitive. This year, that wasn't the case.'