Zverev Springs into Action, Outlasts Shelton at Nitto ATP Finals
The German star is in pursuit of his third title at this prestigious season finale.
November 09, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev battles against Ben Shelton on Sunday in Turin.
By Andy West
Few stages ignite Alexander Zverev’s performance like the Nitto ATP Finals. The two-time champion launched his latest quest with a spectacular win over Ben Shelton, claiming the match 6-3, 7-6(6) in Turin on Sunday night.
Returning to the court after a setback due to an ankle injury during a tough semi-final against Jannik Sinner at the Rolex Paris Masters, Zverev looked refreshed and ready to compete. Even when Shelton surged ahead 6/4 in the second set tie-break, Zverev maintained his composure and sealed his first match in the Bjorn Borg Group.
Start as you mean to go on! 👏 @AlexZverev | #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/FCgIFHVWtd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 9, 2025
“He’s an incredibly aggressive player, perhaps one of the most in the world,” Zverev remarked about Shelton. “He started impressively in the tie-break. I might have missed a couple of first serves, and that passing shot at 5/4 was phenomenal. I knew I had to control what I could, and I executed that well.”
“Ultimately, when the point is on his serve, he’s in charge. When I get the return back and into the rally, I can make my move. I did exactly that at the end of the tie-break, and I’m thrilled with the victory.”
Seeded third, Zverev faced no break points during the match, as Shelton struggled with consistency on his Nitto ATP Finals debut. Zverev’s strategy of targeting Shelton’s second serve was pivotal to his swift 93-minute win, claiming 76% (16/21) of points on returns against Shelton’s second delivery.
Despite facing some pressure on his serve during the second set, Shelton held strong, saving two break points at 2-2, and managed to push Zverev into a tie-break. Just when it seemed he might push for a deciding set—leading 4/0 in the tie-break and holding two set points at 6/4—Shelton faltered, netting a straightforward forehand at 6/5, allowing Zverev to clinch the match decisively.
The 28-year-old Zverev, who previously won the Nitto ATP Finals in 2018 and 2021, aims to become the eighth player to secure three titles at this esteemed event.
With his triumph at Inalpi Arena, Zverev improved to a perfect 5-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head matchups against Shelton, with four victories coming in 2025 alone, including wins in the finals at Munich, the semi-finals in Stuttgart, and the quarter-finals at Cincinnati.
