Key Points

Ben Shelton moved into the third round after Camilo Ugo Carabelli retired due to a knee injury. Alexander Zverev delivered a commanding performance to defeat Nishesh Basavareddy. Karen Khachanov bounced back from his Toronto loss with a solid win over Valentin Royer. Meanwhile, Brandon Nakashima survived a tough three-setter to set up a clash with Zverev.

Key Points: Shelton and Zverev Advance to Cincinnati Masters Third Round

  • Shelton advances after Carabelli retires with a knee injury
  • Zverev dominates Basavareddy for 40th win of the season
  • Khachanov rebounds from Toronto loss with straight-set victory
  • Nakashima edges Blockx in a tight three-set battle
2 min read

Shelton, Zverev breeze into Cincinnati Masters R3

Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev cruise into Cincinnati Open R3 with dominant performances, while Karen Khachanov also secures a win.

Shelton, Zverev breeze into Cincinnati Masters R3
"I feel for Camilo and it’s obviously not the way that you want to go through. I hope that he has a quick recovery. – Ben Shelton"

Cincinnati, Aug 11

Ben Shelton eased into the third round of the Cincinnati Open after Camilo Ugo Carabelli retired early in the second set with a knee injury.

Competing just three days after winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Shelton was leading 6-3, 3-1 after 64 minutes when the Argentine retired.

Carabelli grasped his knee on the first point of the fourth game of the second set after an awkward movement coming forward into the court. After a medical timeout he could not move freely and retired after completing Shelton’s service game, ATP reports.

"I feel for Camilo and it’s obviously not the way that you want to go through. I hope that he has a quick recovery," Shelton next faces Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut, said.

Meanwhile, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev dropped a serving masterclass on American Nishesh Basavareddy to breeze into the third round with a 6-3, 6-3 win, his 40th of the year.

Zverev said that he was happy to get through without expending too much energy, and to avoid playing in the heat of the day.

"I requested (a night match), coming from Toronto, where it’s a lot colder, I need some days getting used to the heat and conditions. I’m happy with the win and happy with how I played."

The two-time ATP Finals champion will next play 27th seed, American Brandon Nakashima, who toughed out a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Belgian qualifier Alexander Blockx.

Elsewhere, Karen Khachanov, who fell to Shelton in a third-set tie-break in the Toronto final, won his opening Cincinnati match against French qualifier Valentin Royer 6-4, 7-6.

The World No. 12 hit seven aces according to ATP Stats and took charge with his forehand in his one hour, 50-minute win. He next faces American wild card Jenson Brooksby.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Zverev's strategy to avoid the heat makes so much sense! Indian players should also learn to manage conditions better when playing abroad. The heat here prepares them but they need to adapt to cooler climates too.
S
Sarah B
Disappointed that Basavareddy couldn't put up more of a fight against Zverev. Indian tennis needs more players who can compete at this level consistently. Where's our next Somdev or Sania? 😔
K
Karthik V
Khachanov's performance shows why he's in top 15! His forehand is a weapon. Indian players should study his game - perfect mix of power and consistency. Our players tend to be either all power or all defense.
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Priya S
While Shelton's win was lucky due to injury, you make your own luck in sports! His Toronto win shows he's the real deal. Hope he faces Zverev next - that would be a match worth watching with popcorn! 🍿
M
Michael C
The ATP tour needs more tournaments in India! We have the fans and the passion. Maybe then our players would get more exposure to top-level competition without always traveling abroad.

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