Renowned coach Brad Gilbert has slammed Ben Shelton’s serving in the quarterfinal clash against Jannik Sinner in the ongoing Australian Open. Shelton is known for his big serve but could not bring his best against the Italian as he suffered a straight-set loss.

The American had a first serve percentage of 75 and won 65% of his points on first serve. That percentage dropped to 48% on Shelton’s second serve. The left-hander smashed eight aces, compared to five of Sinner.

In a post on X, Gilbert said: “We said in the morning yesterday, Shelton’s got to try and establish the serve. He’s got to be able to drop 25, 30 aces. He’s got to have that ‘Dr. Evil’ mentality that Isner or Roddick… take the racket out of their hands.

“Because once the rally goes against Sinner… forehand and backhand are significantly better and the movement. And yesterday, every service game for Shelton, god he had to work!

“But too many slices, kicks, curve-ball serves and just routine. So I guess that’s 22 sets on the trot but they got to be able to figure that out.

“But it starts with Shelton. He’s got to be able to establish the fast ball. And hell, 50 per cent of the time I think he should be going for second-serve bomb! Make the match not a rhythm match.”

After losing to Sinner on Wednesday, Ben Shelton is set to fall two places in the ATP rankings to world number nine as he could not previous edition’s semifinal run.

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner will face 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the second semifinal at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday.