AO26: Shelton Surges To Set Up Sinner Showdown; Swiatek Swats Inglis To Reach Final Eight

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 18:40 IST

Ben Shelton defeats Casper Ruud to reach his third Australian Open quarter-final, set to face Jannik Sinner. Iga Swiatek dominates Maddison Inglis, next facing Elena Rybakina.

Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek at AO26 (AP)

Ben Shelton continues to look right at home in Melbourne.

The eighth-seeded American showed off the growing layers of his game on Monday night, battling past Casper Ruud in four sets to book yet another Australian Open quarter-final — his third in just four trips Down Under.

Shelton flipped the script after dropping the opener, blending gritty defence with explosive shot-making to close out a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win in two hours and 36 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Waiting next: two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner.

“For me, the atmosphere is everything," Shelton said. “I’m rowdy on the court and I look forward to rowdy crowds. Down here in Australia, there’s no shortage. From my first experience, I fell in love with this tournament."

“I’m more locked into the type of player I am," Shelton said. “I’m honest about my weaknesses, but confident in my abilities. That confidence keeps growing."

Ruud bows out after his best Melbourne run since 2021 and now heads home to Norway, where he and wife Maria are expecting their first child.

Swiatek Rolls, Bigger Test Looms

Earlier, Iga Swiatek reminded everyone why she’s still chasing unfinished business in Melbourne.

The second seed dismantled Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3, ending the home favourite’s fairytale run with ruthless efficiency. It sets up a blockbuster quarter-final against fifth seed Elena Rybakina — their 12th career meeting.

“I wouldn’t say head-to-head matters," said Swiatek, who leads their rivalry 6-5. “Every match is a different story. I need to be 100 percent ready."

Swiatek was in total control from the first ball, racing through the opening set in just 32 minutes. Inglis briefly lifted the crowd — and her arms — after stealing an early break in the second, but it only delayed the inevitable.

The Pole, still hunting her first Australian Open crown, quickly reasserted control and cruised home, eyes firmly fixed on the business end of the tournament.

(with agency inputs)

News sports tennis AO26: Shelton Surges To Set Up Sinner Showdown; Swiatek Swats Inglis To Reach Final Eight

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