Archive of posts tagged Houston

Ben Shelton's meteoric rise – College champ becomes ATP centurion

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Alex de Minaur

World no. 7 Bern Shelton is enjoying his career-best run at a Masters 1000 level in Toronto. The young American bested Alex de Minaur in straight sets to notch his first semi-final at this level and remain on the title course.

A left-hander prevailed over Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round, celebrating his 100th ATP victory and earning a notable milestone. Ben's rise from college sensation to ATP star has been nothing short of electric.

The American needed only three years since turning professional to claim his 100th ATP win, marking the milestone and gathering momentum ahead of the semi-final duel with his compatriot, Taylor Fritz. 

Shelton claimed the 2022 NCAA singles title for Florida Gators and turned pro a few weeks later. A left-hander with a booming serve claimed his first ATP win in July at home in Atlanta.

Ben wrapped up his first professional season with three ATP triumphs under his belt. The young gun flew from the US for the first time at the beginning of 2023! He lacked experienced but presented incredible will and desire.

Shelton ended the season with respectable 26 ATP victories, proving himself and setting the stage for an even stronger run in 2024. Ben claimed his second ATP title in Houston and counted 42 triumphs, becoming world no. 13 but ending the season just outside the top-20.

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The young American gained a boost ahead of 2025 and extended his great streak, collecting 26 wins before Toronto and becoming world no. 7. Shelton reached the Australian Open semi-final and lost the final of the ATP 500 event in Munich.

He fought well against Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros before reaching the quarter-final at Wimbledon. Ben entered his first Major event as a top-10 player and fell to Jannik Sinner after a solid resistance.

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Shelton suffered the semi-final defeat in Washington and headed to Toronto with 97 ATP wins. A left-hander embraced a deep run in Canada and provided his 100th victory only three years after turning pro.

His blend of power and charisma continues to excite fans and push boundaries. From college courts in Florida to ATP milestones, Shelton's journey is moving fast, with no signs of slowing down.

The US Open is just around the corner, and the home players will be among the players to beat at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Alexander Zverev confesses he once retired match because he couldn't beat his brother

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Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev, 28, issued one very honest confession while speaking with a couple of former American tennis stars, revealing that he retired against Mischa Zverev in the 2014 Houston qualifying only because he "could not beat" his brother.

Mischa, a former world No. 25, thrashed his brother 6-0 6-1 when they met in the 2012 Dallas Challenger qualifying. Two years later – just before Alexander's 17th birthday – they clashed in the Houston qualifying first round. This time, it was a much more contested battle as a 16-year-old Alexander took a set off his brother. But with Mischa leading 7-5 4-6 3-2, the younger of the two brothers got overwhelmed – went to the net – and shook his brother's hand.

Alexander Zverev: I just couldn't beat my brother so I pulled out

"We actually played one more time in Houston, but we played in qualies in 2014. And I actually, don't know if people know that, he (Mischa) knows that, we played a very long three-set match. We played for like, three hours, and then it was like 3-2 in the third set. I think I was up 3-2 in the third set with a break, and I felt so bad that I pulled out. Yeah, I pulled out, I couldn't beat him. I just couldn't do it," the three-time Grand Slam runner-up confessed on the Nothing Major Show.

Four years after their Houston meeting, the Zverev brothers met again. At the time of their third meeting, Alexander had already become one of the best in the game and he ended up beating his older brother 6-3 7-5 in the 2018 Washington first round.

Mischa, who is 10 years older than his brother, officially retired from pro tennis in 2023 but he barely played across the 2021 and 2022 seasons since he joined his brother's team years ago.

The Zverev brothers evidently have a great relationship, but still you rarely see a player admitting that they just couldn't beat the rival standing on the other side of the net.