Shelton, Zverev make speedy progress into Cincinnati R3
American lefty is on seven-match winning streak
August 11, 2025
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Ben Shelton in action at the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.
By ATP Staff
Ben Shelton had an earlier night than expected at the Cincinnati Open Sunday when Camilo Ugo Carabelli retired early in the second set with a knee injury.
Competing just three days after winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Shelton was leading 6-3, 3-1 after 64 minutes when the Argentine retired.
“It’s definitely not easy to play a couple of days after winning a title,” said Shelton, when told that the Canada champion had not won his Cincinnati opener since 2021. “I feel for Camilo and it’s obviously not the way that you want to go through. I hope that he has a quick recovery.
“I’m just excited for the opportunity to play here in Cincinnati. This is the tournament where I had a big breakthrough and one that I never want to miss.”
Ugo Carabelli grasped his knee on the first point of the fourth game of the second set after an awkward movement coming forward into the court. After a medical timeout he could not move freely and retired after completing Shelton’s service game.
Shelton, 22, next faces Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut.
Karen Khachanov, who fell to Shelton in a third-set tie-break in the Toronto final, won his opening Cincinnati match against French qualifier Valentin Royer 6-4, 7-6. The World No. 12 hit seven aces according to Infosys ATP Stats and took charge with his forehand in his one hour, 50-minute win. He next faces American wild card Jenson Brooksby.
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev dropped a serving masterclass on American Nishesh Basavareddy to breeze into the third round with a 6-3, 6-3 win, his 40th of the year.
The German put 82 per cent of first serves into play, fired 12 aces and did not face a break point in the 66-minute match.
Zverev said that he was happy to get through without expending too much energy, and to avoid playing in the heat of the day.
Watch highlights from Zverev’s win in Cincinnati:
“I requested [a night match], coming from Toronto, where it’s a lot colder, I need some days getting used to the heat and conditions,” he said. “I’m happy with the win and happy with how I played.”
The two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion will next play 27th seed, American Brandon Nakashima, who toughed out a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Belgian qualifier Alexander Blockx.