Zverev Opens ATP Finals With Straight-Sets Win Over Shelton After Tiebreak Rally

He downplayed any age advantage by crediting late returns against an ultra-aggressive opponent.

Overview

The two-time champion beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(6) to start 1-0 in the Bjorn Borg Group in Turin.
He overturned a 0-4 deficit and saved three set points in the second-set tie-break, winning five straight points to close.
Asked if being the oldest player after Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal was decisive, he replied "No," rejecting an experience edge.
He called Shelton “an unbelievably aggressive player” and highlighted two key returns late in the breaker.
Zverev is pursuing a third season-ending crown and, with this result, is reported to lead Shelton 5-0 in their head-to-head.