CRAMPING SINNER ACHES FOR THE TITLE

Italian pushes past pain to set up Zverev final for chance to win third Major trophy

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MELBOURNE - Jannik Sinner played down any injury fears on Jan 24 after suffering from cramp in his Australian Open semi-final win, saying physical struggles were all part of getting through two-week-long Grand Slams.

The world No. 1 blasted past Ben Shelton, admitting he was relieved to come through in straight sets.

The Italian defends his title on Jan 26 against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev after he played only one set against Novak Djokovic, before the Serbian great retired with his own injury issues.

Sinner suffered from leg cramp in the third set of his 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2 win against the American 21st seed and had to have the trainer on to massage his thighs near the end.

"I had some tension today, slightly cramps," said Sinner, who had dizzy spells during his match in the fourth round.

"You know, these matches can go very, very long. For three sets, two and a half hours is quite a time.

"So I'm happy to finish today in three." He said physical suffering was to be expected because it was his first tournament of the season.