Ben Shelton began his 2026 ATP Finals campaign with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Arthur Fils in Turin, recovering from a second-set setback to claim an important win in the group stage. The American made a dominant start, briefly lost control as the Frenchman raised his level, but ultimately found a way to close out the contest in three sets.
Shelton's serve was a major factor throughout the match, particularly in the opening set, when Fils struggled to make an impact on return. The American also made effective use of his aggressive baseline game and forward movement, putting his opponent under pressure and preventing him from settling into the exchanges.
Fils, however, showed why he can be a difficult opponent when he finds his rhythm. After being outplayed in the first set, the Frenchman improved his consistency and began to challenge Shelton more regularly, forcing the match into a deciding set.
Shelton dominates before Fils finds his response
The opening set belonged almost entirely to Shelton. Although Fils managed to save four break points in an early service game, he could not maintain that resistance as the American gradually took control. Shelton secured the first break at 2-2, then consolidated it before breaking again to move 5-2 ahead.
His serve made the difference. Shelton dropped very few points behind it and gave Fils little opportunity to build pressure, eventually closing out the set 6-2 with an ace. The American converted two of his six break-point opportunities, while the Frenchman struggled to find a consistent answer to his opponent's power.
The second set brought a different contest. Fils began to find more solutions on serve and became increasingly competitive in the baseline exchanges. Shelton continued to hold comfortably for much of the set, but the Frenchman managed to put together a stronger stretch of tennis as the score remained close.
The decisive moment arrived late in the set, when Fils finally found a way through Shelton's service game. He converted the break with a crosscourt forehand winner to move 5-3 ahead, then served out the set to level the match at one set apiece. After struggling to make an impact in the opener, the Frenchman had managed to turn the momentum and take the contest into a decider.
Shelton responds in the deciding set
Shelton did not allow the setback to affect his start to the third set. He held his opening service game and immediately put Fils under pressure on return. The American needed four break-point opportunities to get the breakthrough, but eventually forced an error with a deep return to move 2-0 ahead.
That break proved crucial. Shelton consolidated it with another comfortable hold and quickly established a 3-0 lead, putting Fils in a difficult position. The Frenchman continued to compete and managed to get on the scoreboard, but Shelton remained in control of his service games.
Arthur Fils, France, during Madrid Open Tennis
There was a brief opportunity for Fils to make the decider competitive again when he earned two break points with Shelton serving at 3-1. The American saved both to maintain his advantage, then moved within one game of victory at 5-2.
Fils delayed the finish with a hold for 5-3, but Shelton stayed composed when serving for the match. The Frenchman created one final break-point opportunity, only for the American to save it and close out the contest 6-3.
The victory gives Shelton a positive start to his ATP Finals campaign after a match that tested his ability to respond to a change in momentum. Fils showed a much stronger level in the second set, but could not sustain it against an opponent whose serve and aggressive game proved decisive in the final stages.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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