“I love being around the best players”: Alexander Zverev walks the talk after statement win over Ben Shelton in Turin

Alexander Zverev delivered a composed yet resilient performance to open his ATP Finals campaign with a 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over Ben Shelton. The World No. 3 saved three set points in a tense second-set tiebreak, reeling off five consecutive points to seal the win. The result not only strengthens his lead in the Björn Borg Group but also extends his head-to-head dominance over the American, having now won all four of their 2025 encounters.

Facing Shelton’s explosive serve, Zverev relied on precision and patience rather than power. The two-time ATP Finals champion — crowned in 2018 and 2021 — handled the key moments with trademark composure. “Control the things that you can control, right? And do the things well that you can control,” Zverev reflected. “He’s somebody that when it’s on his serve, it’s everything on his terms anyways.” That discipline proved decisive in a match that easily could have slipped away.

Zverev’s ability to stay calm when facing adversity was evident in the second set. “I knew that I had to be patient and just wait for my chances,” he explained. “In the tiebreak him being up 6-3, of course, that tiebreak 99% of the time is going to go to him. But I did well to hang in and win the last five points.” The German’s mental strength once again made the difference when the pressure peaked.

The win marks a promising start for Zverev in Turin, where he aims for a third title. Still ahead lie battles against current World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, both eager to challenge the German’s momentum. For Zverev, the ATP Finals have long been a happy hunting ground — a tournament that seems to draw out his best tennis when the stakes are highest.

Zverev spoke fondly about competing among the game’s elite. “No, I mean I like just I like the surrounding. I love being around the best players in the world. It's always an honor,” he said. “It’s always a highlight of the year, I feel like, to just be around in this environment.” That sense of appreciation appears to fuel his performances under the bright lights of Turin.

In eight appearances at the ATP Finals, Zverev has consistently showcased his ability to thrive in high-stakes situations. “All the matches that I played here, I think in the eight years I played, almost all of them could have gone either way,” he noted. “It’s about finding the right shots and the right moments.”

The 27-year-old’s experience and adaptability continue to make him one of the most dangerous indoor players on tour, with 8 titles under those conditions. As the tournament unfolds, Zverev’s form and mindset suggest he remains a formidable contender for the season-ending crown.

The win marks a promising start for Zverev in Turin, where he aims for a third title. His upcoming challenges will be against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, though he will have to wait to see who he faces first. The Italian and the Canadian will compete this Monday in their respective debuts, and 'Sascha' will face the winner of that duel—in which Sinner is seen as the clear favorite.

Regardless, Zverev needs to stay attentive to the results within his group, although debuting with a straight-sets victory gives him some comfort, positioning him as the group leader early in the tournament.

The three-time major runner-up is the most experienced player in the Finals field, as this is his 8th appearance in the tournament, which he won in 2018 and 2021 (the source incorrectly listed 2022) while also reaching the semifinals twice (2019, 2024). Zverev is seeking to join the seven other players who have achieved at least three ATP Finals titles—led by Novak Djokovic (7) and Roger Federer (6).