Shelton confesses what he must change in his tennis to defeat Zverev for the first time

Ben Shelton had the chance to take his match against Alexander Zverev to a third set in his debut at the ATP Finals. With a 6-3 lead in the second set tiebreak, the American failed to capitalize on any of his opportunities, while the first chance the German got was enough to secure the victory (6-3, 7-6(7))

However, despite the loss, the match was more about the merit of Alexander Zverev, who was solid with his serve, hitting over 80% of first serves in, rather than a demerit from Ben Shelton who, despite starting his journey at the ATP Finals with a defeat, remains positive. He must now win his next two matches against Jannik Sinner and Félix Auger-Aliassime in order to advance to the semifinals of the Italian tournament.

During the press conference after his loss to Zverev, the American regretted the three set points he squandered, which could have altered the course of the match. He also downplayed the few points he earned with his second serve, totaling just five.

In Awe of Alexander Zverev’s Play

“It has to be acknowledged. He served phenomenally. Very precise, with over 80% of first serves in. He also returned very well. Obviously, I had my opportunities in the second set. It frustrates me not to have closed it out when the set was within my grasp. But there are also positive aspects to take from this.”

Ben Shelton Regrets His Play on Three Set Points Against Alexander Zverev

“With hindsight, everything becomes clearer. At 6-3 in the tiebreak, I used a move that had worked for me a couple of times in the match. He responded brilliantly. His returns were spectacular. I can’t be frustrated with my decision to serve at 6-4. I pressed too hard on the first point.”

“Likewise at 6-5, in the first point right after the return. Especially since I didn’t feel uncomfortable at that point in the match. I simply overplayed it. These are three points I would like to reclaim, no doubt. Yet, as I said, there are many positives that put me in a position to win the set, even if I couldn’t pull it off.”

Impressed with the High Level of His Backhand

“My backhand was fantastic. I didn’t feel like I was faltering in that aspect at all. I hit winner shots with my backhand, which is unusual for me. My ball control was excellent. I made very few unforced errors on that side. I know my forehand is a powerful weapon. In fact, today I lost with my forehand. The solidity of my backhand worked in my favor. I started to figure out how to win points on the return towards the end of the match. His serve was exceptional, making it very challenging for me.”

Areas to Improve to Secure First Victory Over Zverev

“I improved as the match progressed. If I had won one of those set points in the second set, maybe we would be talking about something else. Yes, indeed, today I felt I had more control than in previous matches against him, although I’m still searching for the key. I made too many unforced errors, especially with my forehand. I didn’t hit my forehand as I intended. That’s something I need to work on.”

Zverev only allowed him to win five points with his second serve

“I don’t think it’s the serve. It’s what I do after the serve. Zverev is one of the best returners on second serves in the world. With the power he generates and the length of his arms, he can cover the entire court. He’s a very tough player to face on serve and volley. He makes it very, very difficult.”

“Certainly, I wouldn’t say my second serve has any issue. I believe I have one of the best second serves in the world. I think the statistics often prove it. A player like him highlighted some things tonight. I think by relying too much on my forehand and not winning with it as frequently as I would have liked, that affected my success rate somewhat. But winning only five points with my second serve is hard to believe,” states a Ben Shelton who continues to strive to find the formula for his first victory over Alexander Zverev.
 

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