Jannik Sinner will face an Australian Open rematch against Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals after the defending champion survived a late dip to defeat his compatriot Luciano Darderi to avoid another examination of his physical struggles.
Sinner admitted he got “lucky” in his third-round win over Eliot Spizzirri as the defending champion was saved by the heat rule. Sinner was cramping and looked to be in big trouble before the tournament’s heat stress level enforced the closing of the roof, as the 24-year-old second seed recovered to close out victory.
After saving two break points in the opening game of the match, Sinner did not look to be in trouble against Darderi until late in the third set, as he was forced to fend off another four break points, and then had two match points saved, as he was dragged into a tiebreak.
But with Sinner appearing a little more uncertain as the match passed the two-hour mark, he ensured he improved his record against Italian opponents to 18-0. He will play the eighth seed Shelton, who recovered from a set down to defeat Casper Ruud.
Sinner has won his last eight matches against Shelton, without dropping a single set, including in the Australian Open semi-finals and Wimbledon quarter-finals last season.
Elsewhere, another Italian is through after Lorenzo Musetti defeated Taylor Fritz to set up a quarter-final clash with Novak Djokovic. Jessica Pegula ended the title defence of Madison Keys as she booked another all-American battle against Amanda Anisimova.
Follow latest scores and updates from the Australian Open, below
Australian Open latest scores and updates
- Jannik Sinner battles past third-set wobble to beat Luciano Darderi in straight-sets
- Sinner to play Ben Shelton in Australian Open rematch after beating Casper Ruud
- Lorenzo Musetti books quarter-final clash against Novak Djokovic
- Jessica Pegula defeats Madison Keys to book Amanda Anisimova clash
- Iga Swiatek beats Maddison Inglis to set up Elena Rybakina blockbuster
What this Australian Open’s 58-year first says about the current state of tennis
14:48 , Jamie BraidwoodThe top six seeds in both the men’s and women’s tournaments are still standing to set up blockbuster quarter-finals, and there are two different reasons to explain this piece of history.
What this Australian Open’s 58-year first says about the current state of tennis
Australian Open heat rules explained as tournament prepares for brutal 46C conditions
13:11 , Jamie BraidwoodThe organisers of the Australian Open have been forced to adjust their schedule with a heatwave expected to hit at the start of the quarter-finals, with temperatures set to reach as high as 46C in Melbourne by 5pm local time.
Australian Open heat rules explained as tournament prepares for brutal 46C conditions
Ben Shelton looks ahead to Jannik Sinner rematch in quarter-finals
12:42 , Jamie Braidwood“It's what you look forward to the most in this sport. It's where I wanted to be.
I wanted to be back here. I wanted to give myself another shot. I wanted to improve on some things that I didn't do as well last year, and leave it all out on the court.
“So for me, I have a lot more that I want to do here and I have a lot more to prove, so I hope you guys come back in two days' time because I'll be.”
Ben Shelton sets up Australian Open rematch against Jannik Sinner
12:30 , Jamie BraidwoodBen Shelton defeats Casper Ruud to return to the Australian Open quarter-finals, where he will look to snap his eight-match losing run against Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.
From a set down, Shelton continued his excellent serving form in Melbourne and will bid for revenge against Shelton after losing to him in last season’s Australian Open semi-finals.
The left-handed Shelton also lost to Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals, with the World No 2 winning their last 19 sets in a row.
Shelton’s only victory over Sinner came in their very first meeting in Shanghai in 2023.
But Shelton is looking in excellent shape and finishes his victory over Ruud with a brilliant forehand winner.
Ben Shelton moves a set away from quarter-finals
11:50 , Jamie BraidwoodBen Shelton has upped his first serve percentage from 57% in the first set to 77% in the second and 64% in the third and it has proved the difference as he opens up a 2-1 lead in sets over Casper Ruud.
He moves one set away from that Jannik Sinner rematch.
Why were Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz banned from wearing fitness trackers at Australian Open?
11:33 , Jamie BraidwoodAn argument over banned “wearable” devices such as Whoop fitness trackers has erupted at the Australian Open after top players Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were ordered to remove them before their matches.
Tennis Australia, the organisers of the Australian Open, confirmed that the wearable wrist technology is not permitted at the grand slams - although it said that the tournament is “in discussions” over allowing such devices in the future.
Wearable technology is permitted on the ATP and WTA tours. When the ATP Tour announced the approval of in-match wearable devices in 2024, a statement from then chief sporting officer Ross Hutchins said the technology was a “big step forward in our push to optimise player performance and prevent injury”.
Why Sinner and Alcaraz were banned from wearing fitness trackers at Australian Open
Ben Shelton levels fourth-round clash with Casper Ruud
11:05 , Jamie BraidwoodA wild forehand shank from Casper Ruud and Ben Shelton breaks to take the second set and level the match! A roar from the American, who is looking to set up a rematch with Jannik Sinner after his defeat to the Italian in last year’s Australian Open semi-finals.
Casper Ruud wins first set against Ben Shelton
10:35 , Jamie BraidwoodCasper Ruud has not reached the quarter-finals of a grand slam since his run to the French Open semi-finals in 2024. His previous best result at the Australian Open was the third round and he had just three top-10 wins last season.
But the 12th seed is a set up on Ben Shelton.
Iga Swiatek races past Maddison Inglis to reach quarter-finals
09:47 , Jamie BraidwoodIga Swiatek completes the women’s quarter-final line-up as the second seed breezes past Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0 6-3.
That sets up a mouthwatering clash with fifth seed Elena Rybakina - two absolute contenders for the title.
In fact, it’s a cracker of a quarter-final line-up in Melbourne. All six of the top seeds, plus Elina Svitolina and Iva Jovic.
- [1] Aryna Sabalenka vs [29] Iva Jovic
- [3] Coco Gauff vs [12] Elina Svitolina
- [4]Amanda Anisimova vs [6] Jessica Pegula
- [2] Iga Swiatek vs [5] Elena Rybakina
Jannik Sinner to face either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud in quarter-finals
09:38 , Jamie BraidwoodA cracker coming up next on Rod Laver Arena as Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud, two in-form players, meet for the chance to take on Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.
“Fortunately these are opponents who I have played against already. I think I know them, but of course, they worked a lot, everyone is improving, so. It's gonna be for sure a very different match,
“I'm gonna check a little bit of the match. But most importantly is to recover. Matches can be very, very long, they can be very physical, so, depending also when you play, night or day session, you know, there's a big difference.
“Let's see what's coming. But I'm very happy to be again in the quarter-finals. It's such a special, special place for me, and of course we are trying to continue as hard as possible.”
Jannik Sinner admits he was feeling 'tight' in the third set
09:29 , Jamie BraidwoodA huge sense of relief for Jannik Sinner and his team as he exchanges a warm handshake with Luciano Darderi at the net. Remarkably, Sinner has now won all 18 of his matches against fellow Italians at tour-level. Sinner and Darderi are good friends and practiced together in the off-season.
A huge sense of relief for Jannik Sinner and his team as he exchanges a warm handshake with Luciano Darderi at the net. Remarkably, Sinner has now won all 18 of his matches against fellow Italians at tour-level. Sinner and Darderi are good friends and practiced together in the off-season.
“We are good friends off the court. It's also that, a small difficulty to put away. I felt like in the third set I had a couple of great chances, I couldn't use them and then I got very, very tight, so I'm very happy that I closed it in three sets.
“I'm very happy. Tried to raise my level. I started off very well in the match and also how I closed it.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 7-6 (7-2) Luciano Darderi
09:24 , Jamie BraidwoodFrom 0-2 down in the tiebreak, Sinner has upped his levels, bringing together his serve and forehand.
Darderi is overwhelmed and the tiebreak goes Sinner’s way after seven consecutive points, as Darderi’s backhand goes long!
Relief for Sinner! Another test passed.
TIEBREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-6 (4-2) Luciano Darderi
09:21 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi cracks his racket off the court as Sinner wins the forehand exchange. Then the defending champion senses his moment to close the net and move 4-2 in front!
TIEBREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-6 (2-2) Luciano Darderi
09:19 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi is taking on Sinner’s forehand with confidence, and jumps into a 2-0 lead. Out of nowhere, as Darderi prepares to serve, a baby in the crowd starts to cry!
Sinner guides the backhand winner and then finds a thumping ace.
TIEBREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-6 Luciano Darderi
09:16 , Jamie BraidwoodOne of the great tests of tennis is you have to get over the finish line, you cannot run down the clock.
Darderi is looking sharp now as he holds to love and forces the tiebreak. Sinner is still in a good position, but how he would love to win this and escape unscathed...
Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-5 Luciano Darderi*
09:12 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner sends Darderi running back towards the baseline and the tweener drops out. Sinner then explodes into the forehand to take the game - as he shuffles back to his seat. He’s into a tiebreak at least. Darderi will know he’s about to come under some more pressure as Sinner looks to wrap this up and get back inside.
HOLD! *Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 5-5 Luciano Darderi
09:08 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother double fault from Darderi, and it brings up second match point! But he finds the wide serve again on the ad-court, and guides the forehand in for a winner.
Sinner goes long on the return... and again on game point! Darderi roars as he escapes. Two match points saved from Darderi. Sinner’s team are looking concerned...
Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 5-4 Luciano Darderi*
09:05 , Jamie BraidwoodAnguish for Darderi as he double-faults up game point. Sinner, on deuce, then dials in a return onto the baseline. Darderi hits out and it brings up match point!
Now the pressure is all on Darderi. Sinner is so close to the finish line... and Darderi can’t buy a serve! But he goes big on the second-serve out wide, and Sinner returns out on the backhand!
Deuce.
HOLD! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 5-4 Luciano Darderi*
08:58 , Jamie BraidwoodA fourth break point is saved as Sinner turns to the inside-out drop shot and Darderi punches long. Sinner clenches his fist, knowing how key this game could be.
Darderi presents a gift as his return floats long. And Sinner gets through! In 10 minutes, with four break points saved, he turns to the serve and volley to get through.
*Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 4-4 Luciano Darderi
08:55 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi’s perseverance is rewarded with two break points! But just like the opening game of the match, Sinner closes the door. He outlasts Darderi on the baseline rally before crunching the forehand crosscourt.
This time, though, Darderi gets another opportunity, as Sinner finds the net with the forehand. And that’s a big miss from Darderi, who pushes the forehand return long of the baseline!
Deuce.
*Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 4-4 Luciano Darderi
08:48 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi clenches his fist - and he believes he’s got his teeth into this set as we tick past the 90-minute mark. He holds to love.
*Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 3-3 Luciano Darderi
08:43 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi has to try and extend this as much as possible. Finally, after a series of big forehand blows aimed at Sinner, he finds a way through with another loud grunt.
Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 3-2 Luciano Darderi*
08:39 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi comes out swinging, grunting after every ball in a baseline rally. Sinner grinds him down and Darderi nets as the defending champion fends his countryman off.
*Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 2-2 Luciano Darderi
08:34 , Jamie BraidwoodWith Sinner serving as he is, one more break would surely be enough for the win. He presses hard in the fourth game, guiding a backhand past Darderi to set up break point.
But Darderi saves with an ace out wide - and another wide serve on game point means the 22nd seed stays alive.
Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 2-1 Luciano Darderi*
08:29 , Jamie BraidwoodA 16th ace of the match from Sinner as he finds another routine hold.
Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 1-0 Luciano Darderi*
08:22 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi can only laugh as Sinner reads his forehand down the line and redirects back crosscourt for a winner.
Sinner was 17-0 against Italian opposition in tour-level matches before today. Darderi is about to become No 18.
SECOND SET! *Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 Luciano Darderi
08:18 , Jamie BraidwoodA sorry way for Darderi to lose the set as he double-faults and slumps back to his seat, where the trainer will be waiting.
Sinner is cruising towards a 18th win in a row at the Australian Open and a return to the quarter-finals.
Jannik Sinner 6-1 5-3 Luciano Darderi*
08:14 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi stretches his arms out wide , asking ‘what can I do?’, as Sinner bombs down another serve.
The 23-year-old puts his frustration into a forehand winner but can’t stop Sinner from moving a game away from the set.
*Jannik Sinner 6-1 4-3 Luciano Darderi
08:11 , Jamie BraidwoodTo add to Darderi’s woes, he’s also picked up a bit of a limp. The 23-year-old does manage to hold serve, though, but Greg Allensworth has called the trainer.
Jannik Sinner 6-1 4-2 Luciano Darderi*
08:07 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi’s antics are quite entertaining and he celebrates winning another game by kneeing a ball away in frustration.
Sinner is ramping up through the levels, though, and puts away a couple of a winners and a lovely inside-out drop shot on his way to taking the game.
Jannik Sinner 6-1 3-1 Luciano Darderi*
08:00 , Jamie BraidwoodKeep this up and Sinner will be back inside and into an ice bath before his possible quarter-final opponents Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud take to court later on.
BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-1 2-1 Luciano Darderi
07:56 , Jamie BraidwoodDarderi launches his racket behind the baseline as a backhand drifts long. Sinner has dragged him into uncomfortable game after uncomfortable and the defending champion breaks to start the second set as Darderi puts his backhand wide.
Darderi launches a ball into row Z.
*Jannik Sinner 6-1 0-1 Luciano Darderi
07:47 , Jamie BraidwoodThere was some interesting news regarding Jannik Sinner moments before the start of this fourth-round match: he was spotted wearing the same banned piece of technology Carlos Alcaraz was caught wearing over the weekend.
Jannik Sinner ordered to remove banned device moments before Australian Open match
FIRST SET! Jannik Sinner 6-1 Luciano Darderi*
07:42 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner found something when he was down two break points in the opening game. Since then, he has been dominant behind serve. 6-1 in 27 minutes and simple work for the defending champion so far after the stress of Saturday.
Jannik Sinner 5-1 Luciano Darderi*
07:40 , Jamie BraidwoodCheers from the Margaret Court crowd and some respite for an increasingly agitated Darderi as he gets on the board. Sinner will now serve for the set.
BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 4-0 Luciano Darderi
07:36 , Jamie BraidwoodThis match has turned very quickly since Darderi stood with two break points in the opening game. Sinner takes the double-break.
Jannik Sinner 3-0 Luciano Darderi*
07:31 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner holds to love. A much more comfortable game on serve as Darderi finds the net a couple of times and then floats long.
BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 2-0 Luciano Darderi
07:27 , Jamie BraidwoodFrom break points saved, Sinner goes on the attack and lands a brilliant backhand winner onto the line. He thrashes the forehand return crosscourt, against the Darderi second serve, and Darderi floats out. That’s the difference.
Jannik Sinner 1-0 Luciano Darderi*
07:22 , Jamie BraidwoodNot the most of convincing start from Jannik Sinner, as Luciano Darderi comes flying out of the traps and sets up two break points with a monster return. Sinner produces big first-serves on the break points to save both, and gets the hold.
Jannik Sinner v Luciano Darderi
07:08 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! The players are out on court as the fourth-round concludes. It is still bright and sunny, but the heat is not as intense as it was on Saturday, when Jannik Sinner escaped the conditions after battling with cramp.
How has Sinner recovered ahead of his fourth-round match against fellow Italian Luciano Darderi? All eyes are on the defending champion as he returns to court.
Elena Rybakina crushes Elise Mertens to reach quarter-finals
06:57 , Jamie BraidwoodElena Rybakina is through to the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-3 crushing of Elise Mertens.
The 2023 runner-up, who is full of confidence after her dominant performances at the WTA Finals, is still yet to drop a set this tournament. She could play Iga Swiatek in what would be a blockbuster quarter-final, if the second seed can find a way past Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.
Jannik Sinner v Luciano Darderi will be on next on the Margaret Court Arena.
Jessica Pegula reveals special motivation behind beating Madison Keys
06:51 , Jamie BraidwoodJessica Pegula avoided wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey as she defeated Madison Keys to end her fellow podcast host’s Australia Open title defence.
Pegula will play another American in fourth seed Amanda Anisimova in the quarter-finals after reaching the last-eight in Melbourne for the fourth time.
The 31-year-old sixth seed is good friends with Keys, who won her first grand slam title at the Australian Open last year, and they host The Player's Box podcast together along with Jennifer Brady and Desirae Krawczyk.
They recorded an episode before their fourth-round match, and decided the winner would choose a forfeit for the loser.
Keys decided that if she won, Pegula, whose parents own the NFL team the Buffalo Bills, would have had to wear a Chiefs jersey with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift on the back.
Pegula reveals special motivation behind beating Keys as defending champion exits
Novak Djokovic discovers Australian Open quarter-final opponent after walkover
06:41 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic will face Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after the Italian defeated Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic received a walkover to the last-eight after his fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
The 10-time Australian Open champion is bidding to reach a fifth grand slam semi-final in a row at the age of 38 as he seeks more tennis history in Melbourne.
Musetti, the fifth seed, is through to his first Australian Open quarter-final after a convincing 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory over the ninth seed Fritz.
Novak Djokovic discovers Australian Open quarter-final opponent after walkover
‘Lucky’ Jannik Sinner saved from shock Australian Open exit by specific tournament rule
06:31 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik Sinner’s hopes of a third successive Australian Open title were saved by the heat rule as the second seed fought off cramp and American Eliot Spizzirri to reach the fourth round.
The Italian was in big trouble early in the third set on Rod Laver Arena as his legs seized up, but at the same moment, the tournament’s heat stress scale hit five, triggering the closing of the roof.
Sinner continued to look uncomfortable, but out of the punishing sun and with air conditioning cooling the arena, he battled to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory.
‘Lucky’ Jannik Sinner saved from shock Australian Open exit by specific rule
What time is Jannik Sinner v Luciano Darderi?
06:26 , Jamie BraidwoodThe fourth-round match at the Australian Open has been scheduled fourth on the Margaret Court Arena, with a not before time of 7am GMT (UK time). It will follow the women’s singles match between Elena Rybakina and Elise Mertens, with Rybakina winning the first set 6-1.
Good morning and welcome
06:24 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik Sinner continues the defence of his Australian Open title as he takes on Italian countryman Luciano Darderi in the fourth round.
It may be their first career meeting, but Sinner and the 23-year-old practiced together during the off-season. Four-time grand slam champion Sinner has a fearsome record against fellow Italian players, however, winning 17 in a row.
Darderi, who is into the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time in his career after beating Karen Khachanov in four sets, said of the challenge facing him: “Is going to feel really, really good. An amazing experience, good match. I will try to do my best.”
