Riding the wave of national support, seventh-seeded Alex de Minaur entered Thursday’s Australian Open quarterfinal with high hopes. However, he was unable to overcome the top-seeded Jannik Sinner, losing in straight sets, which means Australia continues its prolonged wait for a men’s singles champion.

Sinner, who made a name for himself during last year’s tournament in Melbourne, secured an effortless 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory. The Italian player is set to face American Ben Shelton next as he targets his third Grand Slam title, having previously won the U.S. Open in September.

De Minaur was aiming to break Australia’s 47-year drought for a men’s champion since Mark Edmondson’s win in 1976. The enthusiastic crowd at Rod Laver Arena gave him a standing ovation for his commendable play.

“Alex is a tough competitor and a fantastic player,” Sinner remarked. “The support he had was incredible, and the atmosphere was amazing.

“We know each other’s games well since we’ve played many times. It’s always about preparing the best we can. Such matches can turn quickly, but the dynamics can shift fast.”

At 23, Sinner remains undefeated against De Minaur in their 10 encounters and showed no symptoms of the illness that affected him in his previous match.

Ben Shelton criticizes media for lack of respect

Ben Shelton, now a semifinalist at the Australian Open, has called out the on-court interviewers for being “disrespectful” towards players.

The American secured his first semifinal spot in Melbourne by defeating Italian Lorenzo Sonego in four sets on Wednesday.

During his post-match interview with former Australian Davis Cup player John Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald made a remark implying that no one would be supporting Shelton in his semifinal, depending on who he faced between defending champion Jannik Sinner and local favorite Alex De Minaur.

While Shelton laughed off the comment at the time, he did not hold back during his press conference afterward.

“I’ve been somewhat taken aback this week by how players have been treated by the media,” Shelton told reporters.

“I don’t think the comment about Novak (Djokovic) was an isolated incident. I’ve noticed similar behavior towards various players, not just myself.”

Tennis Australia, which oversees the tournament, has been contacted for feedback.

Djokovic had previously expressed his annoyance with remarks made by Australian broadcaster Tony Jones, who referred to the Serbian player as “overrated” and a “has-been.”

Djokovic subsequently refused to participate in the traditional on-court interview after his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka unless Jones issued a public apology.

Shelton mentioned feeling uncomfortable during his own post-match interviews after facing 38-year-old French player Gael Monfils in the fourth round.

“There have been comments made to me in interviews that I found quite off-putting, like comparing Monfils to my father or suggesting that no matter who I face next, there won’t be any support for me,” Shelton shared.

“While that may be accurate, it just feels disrespectful coming from someone I’ve never met.”

He concluded by saying that broadcasters should aim to promote the sport and allow players to cherish their significant achievements after hard-fought victories.

“I feel there’s been too much negativity lately, and that is something that needs to change,” he remarked.

Contributing: Reuters