Match Report
Zverev shrugs of rain delays, Shelton to reach Cincinnati SFs
Rain interrupted play twice during the third set
August 18, 2024
Mike Lawrence/ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev leads the ATP Tour for most match wins in 2024.
By ATP Staff
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.
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.
More to follow…
Did You Know?
Zverev holds a 22-0 record against left handers since Roland Garros in 2023.
Shelton is aiming to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final and become the youngest American to reach the Cincinnati semi-finals since Andy Roddick, aged 20, in 2003.
Zverev has earned a Tour-leading 52 wins this season, highlighted by his title run at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome. The World No. 4 is aiming to reach 19th semi-final at this level. The winner will meet the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
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