Jannik Sinner throttles Andrey Rublev to move to semifinals at Australian Open

Jannik Sinner is now into his second career semifinal after he dispatched Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3. The difference between Sinner and Rublev was slight, but one that is likely glaring to Rublev. Once again, the Russian was unable to push past a quarterfinal at a Grand Slam (he is now 0-10 in major quarterfinals), and Rublev looks like he will never reach the level Jannik Sinner is currently at.

Plus, Sinner is very likely going to keep ascending. After playing nearly flawless tennis late in 2023, the young Italian has carried that over into the beginning of 2024. Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic twice in the span of two weeks in November. He knows he can beat the best of the best so he will not lack any confidence for the rest of the Aussie Open.

Sinner was very close to dropping the second set against Rublev, however. The Russian led the tie-break 5-1 but then Sinner failed to lose another point in the tie-break and the match seemed over at that point. The third set was not close and Rublev seemed gassed.

Jannik Sinner moves into semis to play Novak Djokovic at Australian Open

Throughout the match, Sinner appeared to be able to come up with winners whenever he needed them. Rublev hits as hard as anyone on the ATP tour, but Sinner was able to match Rublev's intensity but also played with an ever-improving touch that Rublev simply cannot.

To be sure, Jannik Sinner is a real threat to win his first Grand Slam. He will have no fear aginst his next opponent, 10-time Australian Open winner Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz has never been able to beat Djokovic consistently so there has been no real changing of the proverbial guard in men's tennis. Sinner could signal that change with a victory over Djokovic as that would make the third time in their last four matches that Sinner would have gotten the better of Djokovic.

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