In a commanding display at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton both booked their spots in the third round, sparking enthusiasm among tennis fans. Here’s an in-depth look at how the action unfolded.
Zverev Rolls Smoothly Into Third Round
German third seed Alexander Zverev was in seamless form as he overwhelmed American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. Zverev never faced a break point, fired a dozen aces, and executed a serving masterclass with 82 percent first-serve accuracy in just 66 minutes. He seemed unfazed by the crowd’s support for his opponent, closing the night on the Grandstand with authority.
Zverev’s strategic request for a night match paid dividends—relieving him from adapting to the sweltering heat that plagued the tournament. With this win, he secured his place in the third round and is set to face American Brandon Nakashima, a resilient performer who edged out qualifier Alexander Blockx in a tight three-setter.
Shelton Advances as Opponent Retires
American rising star Ben Shelton, fresh off winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open just days ago, advanced to the third round when his opponent, Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli, retired due to a knee injury. Shelton led the match 6-3, 3-1 when Carabelli, after attempting to continue post–medical timeout, could not move freely and conceded the match.
Shelton expressed sympathy for Carabelli’s unfortunate exit and voi. His path forward now points to a third-round clash against Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut, who dispatched Cam Norrie earlier in the day.
Broader Context at the Cincinnati Open
While Zverev and Shelton grabbed headlines, other top contenders also progressed:
- Carlos Alcaraz, riding a six-final streak, navigated past Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 to reach the third round.
- Coco Gauff, managing eight double faults in the first set, found her rhythm to dethrone Wang Xinyu 6-3, 6-2 and advance.
- Other notable results included Reilly Opelka’s upset of sixth seed Alex de Minaur and Jessica Pegula’s straightforward win over Kimberly Birrel.
What’s Next to Watch
- Alexander Zverev vs. Brandon Nakashima: A compelling match between Zverev’s experience and Nakashima’s tenacity.
- Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Bautista Agut: A contrast of Shelton’s youthful momentum against Agut’s seasoned consistency.
As the tournament intensifies, fans can expect high-stakes matchups and potential fireworks—a stage where stars are made and legacies are forged.
