Zverev shrugs off rain delays, Shelton to reach Cincinnati SFs

Alexander Zverev survived a tough test from home favourite Ben Shelton and multiple rain delays on Saturday at the Cincinnati Open, where he earned a dramatic 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5 win to reach the semi-finals in Ohio for the third consecutive time.

In front of a vocal crowd, the German withstood an attacking display from American Shelton and raised his level when required to clinch victory in the pair’s first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, which was twice interrupted due to rain in the third set.

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"It was very difficult in the windy conditions when you don't have any rhythm, and when someone's serving like he does, it's really tough to get into the games,” Zverev said. “The first set and a half I had no idea what I was doing, so I'm very happy I got there in the end.

"To be interrupted twice by rain in the third set, once at 3-4 and once at 4-5, with me serving both times, that isn't easy. You want to be in a rhythm and that takes you out of your comfort zone.”

After squandering his first seven break point opportunities, Zverev had to wait until the second resumption of play from rain and 5-all in the decider to break Shelton. Trying to serve out the match in the following game, Zverev threw in two double faults to go down a break point before winning the final three points of the match.

Although Zverev struggled with Shelton's off-pace shots to his forehand during the match, it was the American who made significantly more unforced errors (39 to 30) in the challenging conditions. Zverev also had the better serving night, winning 81 per cent of first-serve points to Shelton's 73 per cent, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

Zverev has earned a Tour-leading 52 wins this season, highlighted by his title run at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome. Into his 19th semi-final at this level, the World No. 4 will next meet the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings Jannik Sinner.

Zverev has fond memories in Cincinnati, where he lifted the trophy in 2021. He also advanced to the semi-finals in 2023. A deep run at the hard-court event has also boosted Zverev’s hopes of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. A two-time champion at the year-end event, Zverev is third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

Shelton was aiming to reach his maiden ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. The 21-year-old is up one spot to No. 13 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings following his quarter-final run.

Did You Know?
Zverev holds a 22-0 record against left handers since Roland Garros in 2023.

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