Shelton stumbles at Nitto ATP Finals, but stands tall after stunning season

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Shelton stumbles at Nitto ATP Finals, but stands tall after stunning season

American, who is 0-2 in Turin, reflects on 2025 season

Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

Ben Shelton is making his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals. By Jerome Coombe

Ben Shelton may not have hoped for the start he’s had at the Nitto ATP Finals, but his perspective remains as sharp as his serve.

After a narrow three-set defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime on Wednesday, the 23-year-old American slipped to 0-2 on his debut appearance at the season finale in Turin. Yet even in disappointment, Shelton’s optimism and competitiveness shone through.

In a gripping contest defined by bold play and razor-thin margins, Shelton’s fearless shotmaking was momentarily tested at 2/4 in the second-set tie-break, when he took a tumble and was left grimacing and limping between points for the remainder of the set.

“I think it should be okay. It was just one of those where it hit really hard on the ground,” Shelton said of his left knee. “It hurt really bad for the next 10, 15 minutes. I wasn't about to stop and call the trainer, then come back and try to serve down a mini-break and stay in the set. I just kept going, maybe [due to] adrenaline. But I didn't feel it at all through the whole third set.”

The fall came at a crucial moment, but Shelton’s desire to carry on epitomised his fighting spirit, one that has become a defining trait throughout his 2025 campaign.

The American won his biggest career title at the ATP Masters 1000 in Toronto and reached a career-high No. 5 in the PIF ATP Rankings. Though he has also been tested with adversity, having been forced to retire from the US Open third round due to a shoulder injury.

“If I rated it 1 to 10, maybe an 8 out of 10,” Shelton said when asked to rate his 2025 season. “I made huge improvements and strides from the year before. What I've done post US Open, I haven't been happy with. But the rhythm that I found in the first three quarters of the year was really good.

“I'm a guy that gets into a really good rhythm when I'm playing a lot of matches. I had a lot of clarity this summer on how to play: shot tolerance, what shots to play at certain times. I had a lot of clarity on what my identity was on the court, how I was going to win, my winning formula. I'm still searching for that a little bit right now."

Upon returning from his injury in Shanghai in October, Shelton has struggled to post the results he was able to before. He notched a 3-3 record between then and arriving in Turin, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“These last four tournaments of the year - Shanghai, Basel, Paris, here - have been more difficult for me trying to find that 'wow' feeling,” said Shelton. “All the guys that I have played have been in form and playing great tennis, competing well. [There are] certain things that feel very off at this point of the year. It can't be happening.

“For me this week, it's been my forehand, which usually is a money shot for me, money-maker. The first ball after the serve, things that have been a little off that make it disappointing, [but] a lot of things to be happy about this season.”

This week in Turin, Shelton has deployed an aggressive serve-and-volley approach, which was particularly evident against Auger-Aliassime. At 5-5 in the second set, Shelton escaped a nervy Deuce game with consecutive volley winners, which both came from second serves.

“I think it's something that I've always done since I was young [hitting big second serves],” Shelton said when asked of his high second-serve speeds. “I used to hit a lot more double faults and actually be more aggressive on my second serve because I wanted to get a free point on the first serve and second serve.

“That's always been my mentality, a more aggressive mentality. Whenever I'm serving, whether it is first or second, to have an advantage. I think that's the mindset for some guys and it isn't for others. I think if you look at the guys in the Top 10 right now, a lot of guys who go after the second serve have fast second serves that are difficult to deal with.”

After defeats to Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime in Turin this week, Shelton is 0-2 in the Bjorn Borg Group, leaving just a small chance of him qualifying for the semi-finals. Despite this, he is able to draw lessons from the experience and admits that it usually takes him a few appearances to find his feet at tournaments.

“I’m just excited to be here, the opportunity,” said Shelton. “[It’s] not the best week for me so far. Obviously that is frustrating and disappointing, being as big of a tournament as it is. Historically I haven't been the person who's come to a new place, a new tournament, and just been outstanding right away. I think there's a bit of a learning curve everywhere you go.

“For me it's just back to work regardless of how things end here, [to] be proud about the season that I had and the things that I accomplished. Let the things sting that I wasn't able to accomplish and that I fell short on. It will just motivate me for next year.”

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