Alexander Zverev is into the Cincinnati Open semi-finals, having beaten Ben Shelton most recently to reach that stage.
It marked a comprehensive win for the world number three, but an expected one given how much tennis the young American has played in recent weeks.
Winning the Masters 1000 event in Toronto marked an outstanding feat for him, as the biggest title of his career to date.
However, his decision to then fly straight to Cincinnati shocked many, especially considering both finalists from the women’s side withdrew before the tournament even began.
Shelton’s fatigue was evident throughout his loss to Zverev, and he admitted as much when the two met at the net immediately afterwards.
What Alexander Zverev said to Ben Shelton at the net after beating him
A 6-2, 6-2 win, without being broken once, should have left Zverev delighted with his performance.
However, a gracious winner as always, he actually ended up apologising to Shelton upon completion of the match.
After all, he recognised that his opponent was not at 100%, and as such said at the net: “I’m really sorry about that, I know you didn’t play your best. I hope you feel good at the US Open.”
The expectation is that Shelton will be fit and firing at the US Open later this month, having enjoyed a remarkable past few months on the North American hard courts.
It’s telling that Karen Khachanov retired injured from his Cincinnati Open match earlier in the week, also suffering from fatigue.
Could Alexander Zverev win the 2025 US Open?
Whilst Shelton has impressed, Zverev has also rather quietly snuck into yet another Masters 1000 semi-final.
Now set to face Carlos Alcaraz, this will mark the perfect opportunity for the 27-year-old to prove that he is ready to take that huge next step and truly challenge for a Grand Slam title.
A three-time major finalist, Zverev is widely regarded as the best player never to have won the most prestigious honour in tennis.
And, he’s been vocal about his burning desire to right that wrong.
The 2025 US Open marks a huge chance for him to once again go deep at a tournament that he has already come so close to winning, and a victory over the world number two, and then potentially Jannik Sinner in the final, would certainly boost not only his confidence, but also the world’s perception of his chances.
