Zverev finds spring in his Turin step, sees off Shelton at Nitto ATP Finals

  • Posted: Nov 09, 2025

Few events bring out the best in Alexander Zverev more than the Nitto ATP Finals. The two-time champion made a statement start to his latest campaign at the prestigious season finale on Sunday night in Turin, where he overcame Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6).

Zverev was competing for the first time since he was affected by an ankle injury in a heavy semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at the Rolex Paris Masters just eight days ago, but he appeared well rested and refreshed in a high-class display against Shelton in Italy. Even when facing two set points after Shelton found a resurgence in the second-set tie-break, the German kept his cool to move to 1-0 in Bjorn Borg Group.

The third-seeded Zverev did not face a break point in the match as Shelton struggled for consistency on his Nitto ATP Finals debut. Zverev’s ability to target Shelton’s second serve was key to his 93-minute win: He won 76 per cent (16/21) of points on return against his opponent’s second delivery.

Despite frequently coming under pressure on his serve throughout the second set and being forced to save two break points at 2-2, Shelton competed admirably to keep Zverev on his toes and force a tie-break. The American soon appeared well-placed to force a decider when 4/0 ahead in the tie-break, and he later held two set points at 6/4. Yet he netted a simple forehand at 6/5 and Zverev clinically closed out for an opening win.

The 28-year-old Zverev, who previously triumphed at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2018 in London and in 2021 in Turin, is bidding to become the eighth man to win three titles at the season finale.

With his victory at Inalpi Arena, Zverev improved to 5-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Shelton. Four of those victories have come in 2025, with the German prevailing against the American lefty this year in the Munich final, the Stuttgart semi-finals and the Cincinnati quarter-finals.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

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