Aliassime gives a lesson in resilience and comes back against a Shelton who still fails to take advantage of opportunities

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Félix Auger Aliassime is a born survivor. The Canadian managed to withstand the attacks of Ben Shelton and bounced back from a tough first set to come from behind and secure his first victory in the 2025 ATP Finals. This way, he keeps all his aspirations alive in Turin after not having any chance in his debut against Jannik Sinner. This time, he was patient and decisive in crucial moments to claim an equalized victory by 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-5.

A duel between two players in need of a win took place at the Inalpi Arena in Turin. Both Ben Shelton and Félix Auger-Aliassime needed the win to stay alive in a group they share with Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

Shelton didn't finish the job, and Auger-Aliassime took advantage of the few opportunities he had

So, both were under pressure, and it was the American who came out strong with three goals: to get his first victory in the ATP Finals, his first against Félix Auger Aliassime, and most importantly, to fight for a spot in the semifinals. While he played a very complete match against Alexander Zverev, he started perfectly against the Canadian, quickly taking a 4-1 lead in just 20 minutes.

His serve, as usual, was his best weapon, and his forehand was working well against an Aliassime who was struggling to find openings to harm his opponent. However, Shelton faced the same issue as in his first match against Zverev: he squandered chances to close the set, and when he served to win the first set, he made three consecutive unforced errors, allowing Aliassime to break back.

A very complete first set from Shelton

But the Atlanta native wasn't going to let history repeat itself, and before the Canadian could tie at 5-5, he broke again to secure a first set that he dominated from the start, closing it 6-4 in 36 minutes.

The second set passed without alternatives for a break. The feeling was that Shelton had the match under control, not only because his serve and forehand were effective but also because his backhand was sharp, while Aliassime was only holding with his serve.

Until an unforced error and a mistake on a return gave the American a chance to break, which would have almost guaranteed his first win in the ATP Finals. However, the Canadian's resilience shined through, thwarting Shelton's attempt. Nevertheless, Shelton remained unfazed, winning the next game with a quick ace at 235 kilometers per hour. Everything seemed to indicate a victory for him, despite Aliassime extending the second set.

Aliassime stayed alive even in the toughest moments

Montreal's player came close to surprising Shelton on his serve, but the American relied on his serve and volley to secure the tiebreak, while Aliassime responded. The second set, much closer than the first, was to be decided in the tiebreak.

Once more, under pressure, Shelton faltered, while Aliassime raised his game. A scary fall injuring his left knee gave the Canadian chances to seal the set, and on his fourth opportunity, he did it (7-6(7)). This led to a thrilling deciding set with maximum parity.

Having been just points away from victory twice in the tiebreak destabilized Shelton and propelled Aliassime. The tables turned, and now the Canadian seemed in control of the match.

Aliassime was the one dominating in the third set

The tactical variety shown by Atlanta's player at the beginning faded in the third set, now relying on his serve to stay alive. It mirrored the second set with a 4-4 score, everything still to be decided. Tension rose in Turin, and any small mistake could shift the match.

Aliassime saved a dangerous game, being down 0-30, and Shelton, once again unable to capitalize on his chances, couldn't recover and ultimately fell in another match where he failed to manage pressure. Meanwhile, the Canadian gradually recovered from a tough first set to overcome all obstacles and claim a soothing victory (4-6, 7-6(7), 7-5) before facing Alexander Zverev to secure his spot in the ATP Finals' semifinals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Aliassime da una lección de resistencia y remonta a un Shelton que sigue sin aprovechar las oportunidades