Zverev Opens Nitto ATP Finals With Confident Win Over Shelton
Germany’s Alexander Zverev began his Nitto ATP Finals campaign with a strong performance on Sunday night, defeating American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6) in Turin.
The two-time champion, returning from an ankle injury sustained just eight days earlier at the Paris Masters, showed no signs of weakness as he produced a composed and powerful display to claim victory in 93 minutes.
Zverev, seeded third, did not face a single break point in the match. His sharp returning proved decisive, winning 76 per cent of points against Shelton’s second serve. Despite facing pressure in the second set, the German held firm to deny Shelton, who was making his debut at the season-ending event.
“He’s an unbelievably aggressive player, probably one of the most aggressive in the world,” Zverev said after the match. “In the tie-break he started great, but I just tried to control what I could. I’m super happy with that win.”
The 28-year-old, who previously lifted the Nitto ATP Finals trophy in 2018 and 2021, is now aiming to become only the eighth man to win three titles at the tournament.
With the win, Zverev improved his head-to-head record against Shelton to 5-0, with four of those victories coming in 2025.
