match report
Zverev finds spring in Turin steps, beats Shelton in Nitto ATP final
The German is chasing his third title in the prestigious season finale
November 9, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev takes on Ben Shelton in Turin on Sunday.
Andy West
Few events bring out the best in Alexander Zverev better than the Nitto ATP Finals. The two-time champion made a statement for his latest season with a 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over Ben Shelton in the prestigious season finale in Turin on Sunday night.
Zverev was playing his first competitive match eight days ago with an ankle injury suffered in a heavy loss to Jannik Sinner in the Rolex Paris Masters semi-finals, but he appeared well-rested and refreshed heading into Italy’s match against Sheldon. Although Shelton re-emerged in the second set tie-break and led 6/4, the German remained calm in the face of two set points and chased the score of Bjorn Borg’s group to 1-0.
Start on your terms! 👏@AlexZverev | #NittoATP Finals pic.twitter.com/FCgIFHVWtd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 9, 2025
“He’s an incredibly aggressive player. Probably one of the most aggressive players in the world,” Zverev said of Shelton. “In the tiebreak, he started really well. Yeah, I probably missed a first serve or two, and his passing (5/4) was ridiculous. I felt like I had to control what I could control, and I did a good job.
“At the end of the day, when the focus is on his serve, it’s all under his control. When I’m returning serve and in the matchup, I can do something. I did a good job at the end of the tie-break and I’m very happy with this win.”
Third seed Zverev faced no break points in the match as Shelton struggled to maintain consistency in his Nitto ATP Finals debut. Zverev’s ability to target Shelton’s second serve was key to his victory in 93 minutes: he won 76% (16/21) of his return points on his opponent’s second serve.
Although Shelton came under frequent service pressure in the second set and was forced to save two break points at 2-2, Shelton performed admirably, keeping Zverev on his toes and forcing the match into a tiebreak. The American was quickly in position to force a decider when leading 4/0 in the tie-break, and then held on to hold two set points at 6/4. However, he converted a simple forehand at 6/5 and Zverev calmly ended the opening game with a win.
The 28-year-old Zverev, who won the Nitto ATP Finals in London in 2018 and Turin in 2021, is seeking to become the eighth player to win three titles in the season finals.
With the victory at Inalpi Arena, Zverev improved to 5-0 in the Lexus ATP head-to-head series against Shelton. Four of those wins came in 2025, with the German defeating the American southpaw in the Munich final, Stuttgart semifinals and Cincinnati quarterfinals this year.
