Sonego reached the Australian Open quarterfinals

The 29-year-old Italian not only achieved a personal milestone but also became the first Italian male player in the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam at this age. Ranked 55th in the world, Lorenzo Sonego’s journey at the Australian Open has been remarkable.

Lorenzo Sonego earned the title of “Next Gen pain” in Melbourne, ousting two promising young players: Brazil’s Joao Fonseca (6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3) and America’s Learner Tien (6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1). While neither Fonseca nor Tien currently ranks in the top 100, they had both pulled off stunning upsets against top ten players Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev earlier in the tournament.

Sonego’s career has been a rollercoaster. His highest ranking was No. 27, and his journey has been marked by a lack of psychological stability — a common challenge for many talented players. Competing in the Italian national team, where the competition among bright players is fierce, has also tested his confidence.

However, this tournament has showcased a more experienced and resilient Sonego. His powerful forehand and aggressive net play have been pivotal to his success. If he can maintain this level of performance in the next round, he could challenge Ben Shelton and perhaps achieve another milestone.

For Shelton, the stakes are equally high. The young American, who reached the semi-finals of the 2023 US Open, is eager to replicate his success in Australia, backed by his formidable serve. This makes his matchup with the Italian even more intriguing.

Cover photo: youtube.com/@australianopen