Shelton, Zverev Cruise into Cincinnati Masters Third Round

Cincinnati- Ben Shelton advanced to the third round of the Cincinnati Open after Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli retired early in the second set due to a knee injury.

Fresh off his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto just three days ago, Shelton was leading 6-3, 3-1 after 64 minutes when Carabelli was forced to stop. The injury occurred on the first point of the fourth game in the second set, when Carabelli awkwardly moved forward toward the net and grabbed his knee. Following a medical timeout, he was unable to move freely and retired after finishing Shelton’s service game.

“I feel for Camilo. This isn’t the way you want to advance. I hope he has a quick recovery,” Shelton said. He will next face Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut.

Meanwhile, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev delivered a serving masterclass to ease past American Nishesh Basavareddy 6-3, 6-3, marking his 40th win of the season. The two-time ATP Finals champion said he was pleased to progress without using too much energy and to avoid the midday heat.

“I requested a night match. Coming from Toronto, where it’s much cooler, I needed some time to adjust to the heat and conditions. I’m happy with the win and with my performance,” Zverev said. He will next meet 27th seed Brandon Nakashima, who battled past Belgian qualifier Alexander Blockx 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).

Elsewhere, world No. 12 Karen Khachanov, who lost to Shelton in a deciding-set tiebreak in the Toronto final, began his Cincinnati campaign with a 6-4, 7-6 win over French qualifier Valentin Royer. Khachanov fired seven aces and dictated play with his forehand in the one hour, 50-minute match. He will face American wild card Jenson Brooksby in the next round.

With inputs from IANS