Experts spot worrying indicators about ‘distressed’ Jannik Sinner’s well being as he closes in on one other Australian Open title

A number of tennis experts have expressed concern for Jannik Sinner‘s health as he chases a third successive Australian Open title.

Sinner, 24, beat big-serving US star Ben Shelton in straight sets on Wednesday night to set up a semi-final showdown with Novak Djokovic, but the likes of Jim Courier, Lleyton Hewitt and Todd Woodbridge all pointed out how badly the Italian was battling in the first set.

Courier told viewers Sinner ‘doesn’t look quite normal yet’ as early as the third game, with Hewitt feeling the world No.2 ‘did look a little distressed at times’.

Woodbridge observed Sinner was ‘breathing heavily’ and pointed out ‘it’s not like they’ve played 30-shot rallies’.

It comes after Sinner was nearly crippled by cramps on court during his third-round match against Eliot Spizzirri as the temperature surged towards 40 degrees.

He was so badly hampered that he looked certain to lose the match before having a stroke of luck when play was delayed so the roof could be closed under the Open’s heat rules. 

A number of tennis experts have expressed concern for Jannik Sinner’s health as he chases a third successive Australian Open title (pictured, against Ben Shelton)

Woodbridge observed Sinner was ‘breathing heavily’ in the first set and pointed out ‘it’s not like they’ve played 30-shot rallies’

Sinner admitted post-match he was ‘struggling’ as he chases a fifth career major

Speaking on Rod Laver Arena, Sinner admitted he is adopting a cautious approach.

‘I was struggling. We go day by day,’ he told Courier.

‘I had a great win a couple of days ago against fellow Italian (Luciano Darderi), which was a good confidence boost.

‘(Today) I felt like I was moving again a little bit better. ‘I feel stronger physically again, so I’m very happy.’

Djokovic awaits on Friday after the Serbian was beyond fortunate against Lorenzo Musetti.

The Italian was up two sets to love, but was forced to retire due to an upper right leg injury.

Only the top-four players at Melbourne Park remain, with world No.1 Alcaraz to come up against fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final.

Sinner will play third seed Djokovic for the fifth time in a Grand Slam semi-final, having won the past three encounters, including last year at the French Open and Wimbledon.

But Sinner is well aware Djokovic, 38, loves playing in Australia, where remarkably he is a 10-time major winner dating back to 2008.

‘If you want to win, you have to play the best,’ he said. ‘We are so lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis with his age. 

‘We play for you guys (fans) but we also play for us…hopefully it’s going to be a great battle, but (I know) it’s going to be very, very difficult.’