Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame some third-set cramping and beat Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 on Friday to return to the Australian Open final as he pursues a third Grand Slam title.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame an early test against American Ben Shelton to reach his second straight Australian Open final, winning 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2.

The win sets up a showdown with Alexander Zverev of Germany in Sunday’s final. Earlier Friday, Zverev won the first set of his semifinal when Novak Djokovic missed a putaway volley in a tiebreak. Djokovic retired on the spot, unable to overcome the muscle tear he suffered in his quarterfinal win over Carlos Alcaraz Tuesday night.