Ben Shelton stumbles at Nitto ATP Finals, but stands tall after impressive season | ATP Tour

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Sherton stumbles at Nitto ATP Finals, but stands tall after impressive season

The American, who is 0-2 in Turin, shows in the 2025 season

November 12, 2025

Ben Shelton may have been hoping for a start at the Nitto ATP Finals, but his vision remains as sharp as his worship.

After a narrow three-set defeat to Felix auger-AliasShime on Wednesday, the 23-year-old American dropped to 0-2 with his poor performance in Turin. Yet even with the disappointment, Sherton’s optimism and competitiveness shines.

In a contest of intrigue defined by scripted food and razor-mitt margins, Sherton’s fearsome hitting was temporarily checked at 2/4 of a second tie-break, when he softened and fell between the remaining points.

“I think it should be fine. It was one of those where they hit the ground hard,” Shelton said of his left knee. “It hurt really bad for the next 10, 15 minutes. I could have stopped the coach, then come back and try to serve a mini-set and keep walking, maybe [due to] adrenaline. But I had no feeling for the whole third set. “

The fall came at a crucial moment, but Shelton’s desire to continue documenting his fighting spirit, which has become a defining trend throughout his 2025 campaign.

The Amerin American won his major career title at the ATP Masters 1000 in Toronto and reached a career high.

“If I were to rate it 1 to 10, maybe an 8 out of 10,” Shelton said when asked about his 2025 season. “I made a big improvement and improved from last year. What I did sent us open, I was never happy with it. But the rhythm was found in the first three quarters.

“I’m a guy that gets into a really good rhythm when I play a lot of games. I had a lot of clarity this summer about where I’m playing, how I’m going to find it, my winning formula. I’m still looking for that little bit right now.”

When he returned from his injury in Shanghai in October, Shelton struggled to post his previous results. He maintained a 3-3 record between then and Turin, according to the Infosys ATP win/loss index.

“These last four races of the year – Shanghai, Basel, Paris, here – it was very difficult for me to try to get those ‘wow’ feelings,” Shelton said. “All the guys I played were in shape and playing great tennis, competing well. [There are] Certain things are felt more at this time of year. It’s impossible.

“For me this week, it has been the previous one, which usually shoots me money, the money maker. The first ball after being worshiped, the worst things that make you disappointed, [but] There are many things to be happy about at this time. “

This week in Turin, Shelton embraces a fury-and-volley approach, which was especially evident against auger-aliasses. At 5-5 in the second set, Shelton escaped a match against nveva Desle.

“I think it’s something I’ve always done since I was little [hitting big second serves]” Shelton said when asked about his top speed.

“That has always been the case, a more aggressive attitude. Still I serve, whether it’s the first time or the second time, to have the benefit of those who are there.” I think you are looking at other people. “

After losing to Alexander zverime and auger-aliassime in Turin this week, Shelton is 0-2 in Bjorn Besides this, he is able to draw lessons from this experience and admits that it often takes him a few appearances to find his feet in competitions.

“I’m just happy to be here, the opportunity,” Shelton said. “[It’s] Not the best week for me so far. Obviously that’s frustrating and disappointing, it’s so big for the tournament as it is. Historically I’ve never been someone who comes to a new place, a new competition, and just stands out right there. I think there is a bit of a learning curve where you go.

“For me it’s just going back to work regardless of how things end up here, [to] Be proud of the season I had and the things I did. Let things draw that I could not achieve and that I fell short. It will only motivate me next year. “