Shelton Hits the Wall, Zverev Climbs Over

Ben Shelton rode a nine-match winning streak into Friday night’s showdown with Alexander Zverev, but as the match wore on, it was obvious that the Shelton who had amassed such an impressive run of victories wasn’t really there tonight.

He sprayed errors, lacked his trademark fire, and went down rather easily against Zverev, who was battling his own physical issues as well.

When it was said and done, the German, a former champion in Cincinnati, had a 6-2, 6-2 decision and a date with Carlos Alcaraz in Saturday’s semifinals. Maybe it was Shelton who was the real winner. At least he’ll get some more time to rest and recover before he starts grinding again at the US Open, which begins in eight days.

As for Zverev, he’ll face the Spaniard and hope to feel better than he did tonight. The German seemed to struggle with breathing issues and had an inhaler delivered to him on the court. He was lethargic at times, but had more than enough game to get past Shelton in 77 minutes.

Zverev called for the doctor at 2-1 in the second set, and didn’t seem to know what his issue was.

“Right now I’m not feeling too great… I’m not sure what happened,” the 2021 champion said. “I came out today and probably felt the best I’ve felt in a few months. Was feeling the ball incredibly well from both sides. In the first set I started feeling not so great and it got progressively worse. But I’m in the semi-finals and I’ll do everything I can be be 100 per cent tomorrow.”

Zverev, who lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in last year’s semifinals at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, improves to 4-0 against Shelton.