Ben Shelton overcomes Lehecka challenge at Cincinnati Open, sets up quarterfinal showdown with Alexander Zverev

The 2025 Cincinnati Open is heating up in more ways than one, as in-form American Ben Shelton defeated Jiri Lehecka on Thursday, and will now take on former World No.2 Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.

Shelton required just 81 minutes to power past his Czech opponent, scoring an easy 6-4 6-4 victory. The Atlanta native has been on a tear over the last month, and is one step closer to winning his second ATP Masters 1000 title.

The 22-year old is on a nine-match winning streak, after lifting the title at last week's Canadian Open. By virtue of reaching the quarterfinals in Cincinnati, Shelton became the first American ATP player to reach the final eight in Canada and Cincinnati in the same season since retired compatriot Mardy Fish achieved that feat in 2012.

With temperatures soaring, Shelton kept his cool during the round of 16 encounter. The left-handed star lost just six points behind his first serve, hitting eight aces with only two double faults.

The fifth seed broke Lehecka on three occasions, capitalizing on the Czech star's second serve. Following the match, Shelton spoke on his confidence during his incredible run in North America.

"I'm hungry, I'm in a good rhythm," said Shelton after the match. "I'm playing good tennis and my body feels good. I think the confidence along with not being satisfied, wanting to prove myself over and over every time that I'm out on the court, and having things to that I want to get better at is a huge motivation for me and it pushes me every match."

Awaiting the American is World No.3 Alexander Zverev, who defeated Karen Khachanov after the Russian retired due to injury in the second set. Zverev leads Shelton 3-0 in career meetings on the ATP Tour, with the German scoring two victories this year, in Munich and Stuttgart. Furthermore, Zverev recorded a three-set win over Shelton in the quarterfinals at last year's event in Cincinnati.