Alexander Zverev started his ATP Finals campaign with a win on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 in Turin.
The German, who has had an underwhelming year in the context of his usual high standards, will be hoping to add a third ATP Finals title to his collection after winning the trophy in 2018 and 2021.
After a difficult year battling injuries, this win against Shelton will remind tennis fans of Zverev’s capabilities against some of the ATP Tour’s very best.
As for Shelton, he has struggled to defeat Zverev throughout the 2025 season, despite enjoying a superb campaign on the whole.
This is a worrying trend for Shelton, who must find a way to change his fortunes against Zverev in 2026.
Ben Shelton is 0-5 against Alexander Zverev
Ben Shelton has not been able to defeat Alexander Zverev once on the ATP Tour.
Zverev first defeated Shelton at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, winning the contest 3-6, 7-6, 7-5.
In 2025, Zverev has beaten the American on four occasions: the first being in the Munich Open final. Zverev, who has become an excellent clay court player since making his ATP Tour debut in 2014, defeated Shelton 6-2, 6-4.
| Tournament | Winner | Score |
| 2024 Cincinnati Open | Alexander Zverev | 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 |
| 2025 Munich Open | Alexander Zverev | 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2025 Stuttgart Open | Alexander Zverev | 7-6, 7-6 |
| 2025 Cincinnati Open | Alexander Zverev | 6-2, 6-2 |
| 2025 ATP Finals | Alexander Zverev | 6-3, 7-6 |
Nearly two months later, Zverev defeated the American in the Stuttgart Open semi-finals. On this occasion, the match was much closer – Zverev won 7-6, 7-6.
In Cincinnati, Zverev dominated his match against Shelton, defeating the American 6-2, 6-2.
Zverev’s most recent defeat of Shelton in Turin served as another reminder of the German’s dominance against the American.
Shelton undoubtedly has the talent to change his fortunes against Zverev. Whether he can utilise his ability effectively against the German is another matter.
Ben Shelton’s poor record versus top three ATP players
As per Sky Sports Italy, Shelton has never won in his career against a player ranked in the top three.
Against players in the top five, Shelton has a record of four wins and 19 defeats.
However, it must be noted that Shelton is still in an early stage of his career. At 22, the American has time to develop and secure victories against top five players on a more consistent basis.
The American – who will play the 2026 Houston Open – will have the chance to end his drought against top three-ranked players when he faces Jannik Sinner in this year’s ATP Finals.
