Ben Shelton highlighted how “comfortable” he felt heading into a Cincinnati Open quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev before getting a brutal reality check
Ben Shelton charged into his maiden Cincinnati Open quarterfinal with unwavering determination and self-assurance as the rising American star set his sights on capturing a fourth ATP crown following his Canadian Open victory.
The 22-year-old sensation, who is romantically involved with USWNT phenom Trinity Rodman, dominated without surrendering a single set throughout the entire tournament while extending his impressive nine-match winning streak ahead of Friday evening’s clash against world No. 3 Alexander Zverev.
The imposing 6-foot-6 German had previously gotten the better of Shelton in all three of their head-to-head singles battles. “I feel really comfortable right now. The most comfortable that I have felt on the court, not just playing but returning,” Shelton said.
“It’s where you want to be, right? I want to be playing against top 10 guys, I want to be playing against top five guys.”
Shelton received a brutal reality check once he stepped onto the court to face Zverev, though, as the German star comfortably won 6-2, 6-2 to set up a blockbuster semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev needed just one hour and 17 minutes to see the American off despite experiencing trouble breathing during the match.
Zverev has consistently posed major problems for Shelton during their developing head-to-head series.
During the current season, the German star secured victories over Shelton at both Stuttgart and Munich, while the pair also battled through an intense three-set thriller at this very Cincinnati venue 12 months ago.
Possessing his imposing physical presence, vast tournament experience, and trademark mental toughness, Zverev has accumulated 24 career championships. This powerful combination of skills allows him to neutralize Shelton’s explosive left-handed delivery, which regularly reaches blistering speeds of 150 mph and beyond on numerous serves.
However, Shelton maintained that the competitor stepping onto the court this time around would represent a completely different player from the one Zverev had previously defeated.
“I’m hungry. I’m in a good rhythm,” Shelton said in a separate interview.
“The confidence, along with not being satisfied, wanting to prove myself over and over every time that I’m out on the court… having things that I want to get better at is a huge motivation for me, and it pushes me every match.”
Bryan, Shelton’s father and coach, also voiced his respect for his son’s dedication to training. He emphasized that Shelton’s enthusiasm during practice sessions consistently remained at an elevated intensity and pointed out that he was already back on court working on his game just a day after claiming victory at the National Bank Open last week.
Shelton will represent the U.S. Davis Cup squad in the second round of the 2025 Qualifiers against Czechia, set for September 12-13 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center in Florida.
The No. 6-ranked athlete joins prominent American singles talents Taylor Fritz (No. 4), Frances Tiafoe (No. 14), and Tommy Paul (No. 16) under the guidance of captain Bob Bryan.
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