By Ben Phillips
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner booked his place in the Wimbledon semi-finals with an assured 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-4 win over Ben Shelton in what many expected to be his toughest test yet.
The Italian played a composed and clinical match against the explosive American, soaking up Shelton’s pace and aggression with measured defence and smart shot selection. Sinner faced just two break points across the entire match, saving both, and remained unbroken throughout. Against an opponent known for his booming lefty serve and flashy shot-making, that stat alone underlines how well Sinner handled the occasion.
It was an intelligent and mature performance, one that didn’t allow Shelton any sustained momentum despite the American’s trademark energy and crowd-pleasing style.
For Sinner, this win marks his second Wimbledon semi-final in a row and reinforces his title credentials, particularly considering he was seen receiving medical treatment earlier in the tournament for an arm issue.
Now, the Italian faces the biggest challenge in men’s tennis: Novak Djokovic.
Their semi-final is a blockbuster in every sense. Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending eighth Wimbledon crown, brings with him not only unrivalled experience on Centre Court but a fierce competitive spirit that’s seen him drop just one set all tournament. Sinner, however, will take confidence from having beaten Djokovic at last year’s ATP Finals and pushing him to five sets in their Wimbledon semi-final encounter in 2023.
With both players in form and high on confidence, Friday’s clash is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of the fortnight. For now, Sinner can enjoy the moment, he’s playing like a world No. 1 and showing exactly why he’s earned that title.
Swiatek Reaches First Wimbledon Semi-Final with Win Over Samsonova
New World No. 4 Iga Swiatek continued her impressive 2025 Wimbledon run with a confident 6-2, 7-5 victory over Liudmila Samsonova, sealing her place in the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time in her career.
The five-time Grand Slam champion has long been dominant on clay and increasingly comfortable on hard courts, but grass has remained the one surface where she’s yet to impose herself, until now fully. This year, the Polish star has adapted brilliantly to the speed and lower bounce, and her win today only strengthened her case as a serious title contender.
Swiatek was dominant in the first set, breaking Samsonova twice and controlling the tempo with heavy topspin and exceptional movement. The second set was more competitive, with Samsonova raising her level and even going up a break at one stage. But Swiatek responded like a champion, reeling off four of the final five games to take the set 7-5 and wrap up the win.
A Wimbledon title is one major missing from her growing resume, and a victory here would make her only the tenth woman in the Open Era to win Grand Slams on all three surfaces.
Still only 24, Swiatek now stands two wins away from completing a career-defining feat. Based on her current form and growing confidence on grass, there’s every reason to believe she could lift the Venus Rosewater Dish this weekend.
Bencic Outlasts Andreeva in Double Tiebreak Battle to Reach Wimbledon Semi-Finals
In one of the most tightly contested matches of the women’s draw so far, Belinda Bencic held her nerve to defeat teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva 7-6(3), 7-6(2) and book her place in the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time in her career.
The encounter was a display of precise shot-making, tactical variety, and composure under pressure. Both players broke serve once, and neither gave much away, but when it came to the critical moments, it was the experienced Swiss who rose to the occasion. Bencic played both tiebreaks with clarity and confidence, pulling away in each with smart, aggressive play.
After the match, we spoke to Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old who continues to impress with her maturity and fight. Known for keeping a notebook filled with motivational quotes from sporting greats, we asked whether she keeps a section for losses or setbacks. She replied thoughtfully, “I don’t have that, maybe I should try and experiment with that, see if it will help.” It was a reflective and grounded answer from one of the most promising young stars on tour.
Bencic, meanwhile, showed her opponent full respect. When we asked about Mirra’s unique playing style and whether she found it awkward to face, Bencic clarified: “I wouldn’t call her awkward, she is a player with a lot of variation, I appreciate watching her. I studied her a lot.” That preparation paid off, as Bencic handled the teenager’s mixture of pace, spin, and slice with patience and precision.
Now into her first Wimbledon semi-final, Bencic continues to prove that her all-court game and competitive steel remain as sharp as ever. With wins like this, she’s emerging as a serious contender for the title.
Djokovic Overcomes Cobolli to Set Up Semi-Final Clash with Sinner
Novak Djokovic overcame a tricky challenge from rising Italian star Flavio Cobolli, winning 6-7, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to reach yet another Wimbledon semi-final, where he will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
For the second time in this year’s tournament, Djokovic dropped the opening set, this time in a tiebreak, but as ever, the 24-time Grand Slam champion made the necessary adjustments to turn the match around. His return game sharpened, his depth improved, and he slowly took the legs out from under the 23-year-old Cobolli.
Djokovic’s ability to respond to adversity, even at age 38, continues to set him apart. While not always at his most dominant this fortnight, his problem-solving and mental strength have been ever-present. The Serb won 75% of his first serve points and converted 6 of 10 break points, numbers that reflect how clinical he was when it mattered most.
For Cobolli, this Wimbledon run will be remembered as a breakthrough. The 22nd seed reached the quarterfinals in his debut main draw appearance and proved he can compete with the very best. His aggressive baseline play, and fearless shot-making thrilled fans, and despite the loss, he walks away from SW19 with momentum and belief.
Djokovic now sets his sights on Sinner, the man who pushed him to five sets in last year’s semi-final. With a place in the final on the line, it’s a matchup packed with tension and significance, youth versus experience, world No. 1 versus the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
Semi-Finals on Day 11: Showdowns to Define the Week
As Wimbledon 2025 approaches its thrilling climax, Day 12 is set for two heavyweight clashes in the women’s draw. Here’s a look at tomorrow’s must-watch encounters:
Aryna Sabalenka vs Amanda Anisimova
Sabalenka, the world No. 1, continues her quest for her first Wimbledon title. Known for her sheer power and growing mental steel, she faces Anisimova, the 13th seed, who impressed with her recent straight sets win over Pavlyuchenkova. Anisimova offers a striking mix of aggression, move-and-strike play, and confidence under pressure. It will be a test of Sabalenka’s intensity against Anisimova’s fearlessness.
Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic
In another high-stakes collision, Swiatek, chasing a rare all-surface Slam title, meets Bencic, whose grass-court maturity has impressed through tight wins, including two tiebreaks today. Swiatek brings power and precision, while Bencic counters with experience, variety, and mental clarity. Expect a compelling contrast between raw athleticism and seasoned strategy.
With both matches promising drama, tension, and top-tier tennis, Day 12 sets the stage for a captivating conclusion to the women’s tournament. Stay tuned with QualityShot Tennis for in-depth coverage, tactical analysis, and on-court insights as the Sunday showdowns unfold.
