The Australian Open men’s singles quarter‑final between Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner is under way at Rod Laver Arena, delivering one of the most intriguing showdowns of the 2026 tournament.
The American Shelton, known for his booming serve and aggressive shot‑making, faces off against the Italian Sinner, the defending champion and one of the most consistent performers on the ATP Tour.
🔥 Match Context
Jannik Sinner comes into the clash as heavy favourite.
He has dominated their recent head‑to‑head encounters, winning their last eight meetings without dropping a set — a psychological and tactical edge going into this quarter‑final.
Shelton, however, arrives with confidence after a gritty fourth‑round victory over Casper Ruud — showcasing improved returns and net play that he hopes will disrupt Sinner’s rhythm.
📺 Live Action & How to Watch
The match is being played today (Wednesday, 28 January 2026) at Rod Laver Arena.
Scheduled start time is roughly 7:00 PM AEDT (around 3:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM GMT).
USA viewers: Live on ESPN and streaming via ESPN+ / ESPN Unlimited.
Europe: Coverage through outlets like Eurosport; Stan Sport in Australia.
Live score updates and minute‑by‑minute commentary are being carried by multiple outlets with ongoing coverage throughout the night.
🎾 Tactical Match‑Up
Shelton’s game hinges on his power — a big left‑hand serve, heavy forehand and willingness to attack the net.
Against Sinner, these weapons can yield quick points, but also carry risk if his first serve percentage dips.
Sinner, conversely, brings precision from the baseline, excellent court coverage and the ability to neutralize big serves with deep, penetrating returns.
His experience on big stages and ability to absorb pressure make him a formidable opponent on the hard courts of Melbourne.
🧠 Storylines to Watch
Can Shelton break the streak? Despite past losses to Sinner, Shelton believes his improved all‑court game gives him a chance to turn the tide.
Sinner’s Slam defence: The Italian is seeking to extend his run at Melbourne Park and add to his Grand Slam tally, reinforcing his spot among the game’s elite.
All top seeds thriving: The broader event is historic, with all top six men’s seeds reaching the quarters — a first in the Open Era — highlighting the depth at the top of the men’s game this fortnight.
