Ben Shelton does something only previously achieved by Rafael Nadal in 37 years after reaching Australian Open semi-finals

Ben Shelton joins Rafael Nadal in an elite group after reaching the Australian Open semi-finals.

The 23-year-old faced Lorenzo Sonego for a chance to reach the last four at Melbourne Park for the first time.

Ben Shelton was given a stern test by the experienced Italian, but he consistently raised his game at crucial moments to gain the upper hand.

He kept his cool in the fourth set tiebreak as Shelton would complete a 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory in three hours and 50 minutes.

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Ben Shelton in same group with Rafael Nadal after reaching Australian Open semi-finals

Shelton secured one of the biggest wins of his career to move into his second Grand Slam semi-final.

Reaching the last four in Australia comes after he made the semi-finals in front of his home fans at the 2023 US Open, after beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe.

Shelton’s latest win means that since 1988, he has become just the second left handed player since Rafael Nadal to reach the semi-finals of both hard court Grand Slams.

The great Spaniard reached his first Australian Open semi-final back in 2008, and later that year he made his first appearance in the US Open semi-finals.

Nadal lost both of those matches, but he would go on to win the first of his two Australian Open titles the following year in an epic five-set thriller against Roger Federer.

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Nadal then defeated Novak Djokovic lifted his first US Open title in 2010 to become the youngest player to win all four Grand Slams.

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What did Ben Shelton say to the Australian Open crowd after reaching the semi-finals?

Shelton roared with delight after moving within one match of reaching his first Grand Slam final.

He became just the second man born in the 2000s after World number one Jannik Sinner, to reach the semi-finals at both hard court Grand Slams at least once.

The 15th seed defeated Sonego for the second time in three meetings and will face either Sinner or home favourite Alex de Minaur in the last four.

Shelton was asked about going against one of those players who will have plenty of crowd support, and he is relishing the challenge.

“I’m really happy to be through and get my first win on Rod Laver,” Shelton said. “Thanks everybody for coming out, this was one of my favourites matches of my career, so thank you guys so much.

“If I’m facing the home favourite Alex de Minaur, 100%. You guys can boo me, throw stuff at my head, I understand, he’s the home guy.

“If it’s the number one in the world, it’ll probably be the same, so I’m looking forward to it, I know I’ve got a few people in the crowd that will be pulling for me too.”

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