Two-time ATP champion Zverev, who was competing for the first time since being affected by an ankle injury in a heavy semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at the Paris Masters just eight days ago, appeared well rested and refreshed in a high-quality display against Shelton in Italy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Even when facing two set points after Shelton found a resurgence to move 6\/4 ahead in the second-set tie-break, the German kept his cool to move to 1-0 in Bjorn Borg Group.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"He's an unbelievably aggressive player. Probably one of the most aggressive in the world,\" said Zverev of Shelton. In the tie-break, he started off amazing. Yes, I missed maybe one or two first serves and the passing shot he hit (at 5\/4) was ridiculous. I felt like I had to control the things that I could control and I was doing them well,' said Zverev after the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite frequently coming under pressure on his serve throughout the second set and being forced to save two break points at 2-2, Shelton kept Zverev on his toes and forced a tie-break. The American soon forced a decider when 4\/0 ahead in the tie-break, and he later held two set points at 6\/4. Yet he netted a simple forehand at 6\/5, and Zverev clinically closed out for an opening win, ATP reports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, when the point is on his serve it is always in his control. When I get the return back and in the rally, then I can do something. I did that well at the end of the tie-break and I\u2019m super happy with that win,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite frequently coming under pressure on his serve throughout the second set and being forced to save two break points at 2-2, Shelton kept Zverev on his toes and forced a tie-break. The American soon forced a decider when 4\/0 ahead in the tie-break, and he later held two set points at 6\/4. Yet he netted a simple forehand at 6\/5, and Zverev clinically closed out for an opening win, ATP reports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With his victory at Inalpi Arena, Zverev improved to 5-0 in his ATP Head-to-Head series with Shelton.<\/p>\r\n\r\n