Match Report
Zverev finds spring in his Turin step, sees off Shelton at Nitto ATP Finals
German is chasing his third title at prestigious season finale
November 09, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev in motion in opposition to Ben Shelton on Sunday in Turin.
By Andy West
Few occasions convey out the very best in Alexander Zverev greater than the Nitto ATP Finals. The 2-time champion made a press release begin to his newest marketing campaign on the prestigious season finale on Sunday night time in Turin, the place he overcame Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6).
Zverev was competing for the primary time since he was affected by an ankle damage in a heavy semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner on the Rolex Paris Masters simply eight days in the past, however he appeared properly rested and refreshed in a high-class show in opposition to Shelton in Italy. Even when going through two set factors after Shelton discovered a resurgence within the second-set tie-break, the German saved his cool to maneuver to 1-0 in Bjorn Borg Group.
Begin as you imply to go on! 👏@AlexZverev | #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/FCgIFHVWtd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 9, 2025
The third-seeded Zverev didn’t face a break level as Shelton struggled for consistency on his Nitto ATP Finals debut. Zverev’s potential to focus on Shelton’s second serve was key to his 93-minute win: He received 76 per cent (16/21) of factors on return in opposition to his opponent’s second supply.
Regardless of regularly coming beneath strain on his serve all through the second set and being compelled to avoid wasting two break factors at 2-2, Shelton competed admirably to maintain Zverev on his toes and pressure a tie-break. The American quickly appeared well-placed to pressure a decider when 4/0 forward within the tie-break, and he later held two set factors at 6/4. But he netted a easy forehand at 6/5 and Zverev clinically closed out for a gap win.
The 28-year-old Zverev, who beforehand triumphed on the Nitto ATP Finals in 2018 in London and in 2021 in Turin, is bidding to turn out to be the eighth man to win three titles on the season finale.
Along with his victory at Inalpi Enviornment, Zverev improved to 5-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head collection with Shelton. 4 of these victories have are available 2025, with the German prevailing in opposition to the American lefty this yr within the Munich closing, the Stuttgart semi-finals and the Cincinnati quarter-finals.
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