Ben Shelton’s campaign to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals Turin 2025 took a major hit after a disappointing loss at the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2025. Returning from injury, the 22-year-old American was ousted in the second round by former World No. 7 David Goffin, who sealed a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win to claim his second Top 10 victory of the season.
The match was Shelton’s first since pulling out of the US Open with a left shoulder injury, described by him as “the worst ever pain in [my] life.” His lack of match rhythm showed clearly. He hit 22 unforced errors, while Goffin made only 11. This inconsistency stopped Shelton from building any momentum during the match.
Race to Turin Tightens After Early Exit
Ben Shelton had entered Shanghai in a strong position, sitting sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin with 3,720 points. However, the early departure has created an opening for rivals Alex de Minaur (3,355) and Lorenzo Musetti (3,345) to close the gap and potentially leapfrog him in the standings.
The American still holds a 1,005-point cushion over 10th-placed Felix Auger-Aliassime, the closest contender outside the top eight. With Jack Draper sidelined for the remainder of the season, Auger-Aliassime will look to narrow the deficit when he faces Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match in Shanghai.
Goffin Extends Dominance and Marches Forward
Goffin stayed composed under pressure and saved all three break points he faced. The win extended his perfect record against Shelton to 2-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head clashes. The Belgian, a two-time Shanghai quarter-finalist, will now face Gabriel Diallo. Diallo moved into the next round with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Benjamin Bonzi.
Earlier this season, Goffin showcased his resurgence by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in Miami, and his current form suggests he remains a dangerous presence on tour. For Shelton, the focus now shifts to the remaining tournaments on the calendar as he seeks to keep his ATP Finals hopes alive despite the setback in Shanghai.
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