David Goffin spoiled Ben Shelton’s injury-injured comeback in Shanghai and kept the game perfect against the second-place American, putting the world in 6, 6-2, 6-4.
Goffin, 34, beat 11 unforced mistakes in 2025 against Shelton.
Sheldon’s game was unable to play against Goffin’s serving innings – he won only 13 points and failed to convert any of his three breakout points. The Americans had one at the opening ceremony, Goffin served 2-1, with two more in the second set after a brief rain delay, while Goffin served 3-4, 15-40.
Goffin designed three breakthroughs from five opportunities.
Goffin has also been back due to injuries. Over the past few months, a foot injury has left him in trouble. He lost 10 of his last 14 games before the Shanghai swing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlelcghmuvc
“Another top ten win,” Goffin said. “I’m very happy with my game. I need this kind of game. The first round is also good and gave me a lot of confidence, especially as I’ve been struggling all summer and coming back from my foot injury.
“So, go back to court with confidence and gliding on tough courts…I’m confident, too, but now I think everything is coming together in this game and I’m really happy because I’ve worked a lot.”
Sheldon returned due to a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old American withdrew from the U.S. Open in the third round when the injury initially surfaced.
Sheldon started to slow, while Goffin was the other way around. The former world seventh put forward a perfect performance and overcame the tough game 3-4, 15-40 in the second set – flipped the script and ended the second-place victory of the season.
Goffin, who is in the top ten, has a lifespan of 21-62.
Goffin also beat Carlos Alcaraz in 2025 (Miami) and will face Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in the third round. Last year, he defended the quarterfinals from Shanghai.
