The German masterly serves, saves set point in the second and regulates the American. If Jannik wins against Auger-Aliassime the two will meet on the second day
Jannik Sinner’s opponent on the second day, if the Italian wins on his debut, will be Alexander Zverev. The German made an excellent debut at the 2025 ATP Finals, taking home a victory of experience and solidity against Ben Shelton. 6-3 7-6(6) the final result in favor of the two-time champion of this tournament, now in his eighth participation in the masters’ tournament. The American, the only rookie of 2025, paid for his inexperience by wasting 3 set points in the second set. He will face the loser of the match between Sinner and Auger-Aliassime.
the match
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In the first set the serve helped Zverev, but condemned Shelton: the American in fact suffered two breaks, decisive results in the 28 minutes which were enough for the German to win the set 6-3. For his part, Sascha lost one point in 15 at serve in the opening set. The second was decidedly more balanced, but also with a more enjoyable level of tennis, finally ending in a tie-break. Initially playing the lion’s share was Shelton, first ahead 4-0, then 6-3 with three set points, two of which were on serve. At the moment of closing, however, he trembled, sinking two forehands into the net when it mattered most. Zverev did well to keep the pace high and close, with experience, on the first match point. Seventh victory out of eight in his career for the world no.3 in the opening match of the Finals, and any doubts about his condition were dispelled.