When it comes to tennis, the ATP Finals is one of the most prestigious tournaments after the Grand Slams. This is a tournament that features 8 of the best players in the world battling it out for supremacy. With 3 spots still remaining in the tie, the hunt to secure their place in Turin is still on among players and the Paris Masters presents a wonderful opportunity for them. However, the hopes of Ben Shelton led American quartet shattered in the blink of an eye.
After a series of horrendous performances by some of the best names in the country, they failed to secure their berth in the ATP Finals in Turin. With this, there will now be no American representation at the upcoming ATP Finals.
Ben Shelton led American quartet fails to qualify for the ATP finals
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In a dramatic showdown at the Paris Masters, Botic van de Zandschulp slammed Tommy Paul’s ATP Finals hope with a hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 victory. The Dutch sensation’s victory not only eliminated Paul but also intensified the battle for the three remaining spots in the ATP Finals, set to take place in Turin.
This outcome is a significant turning point, as it highlights the disappointing performance of the Ben Shelton-led American quartet, featuring Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton himself, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe, at the Paris Masters. Not only this but with the loss here in Paris for all four, their hopes of making it through to the Finals in Turin have mostly diminished.
Botic van de Zandschulp beats Tommy Paul 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 and elimites the American from the Race to Turin.
Now seven players fighting for three spots. pic.twitter.com/BcpWJuA7hQ
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) November 1, 2023
With seven players now eyeing for those ATP Finals berths, the competition promises to be more intense than ever. However, the American quest to make it through to Turin is over now. That being said, last year, only one among the quartet made it through and shined brighter.
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Who represented America last year at the ATP Finals?
Last year, things were a bit different from what they are today. Back in 2o22, Taylor Fritz was the only American player who represented America and he played quite brilliantly as well. The young American managed to make his way into the semi-finals of the tournament.
Facing Novak Djokovic in a tight encounter, Fritz could not emerge victorious as the Serbian laid his hands on victory in an evenly tight contest. The final scoreline of the match ended 7-6, 7-6 in favor of Djokovic. That being said, the last American to win the title was Pete Sampras, who did it back in 1999. Since then, no American has ever managed to do so and since 2006, none of the American even managed to reach the finals after James Blake.
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Thus, when it mattered the most, the quartet failed and was unable to stand up to the expectations of the fans. With Tommy Paul, the final hope bowing out of the Paris Masters, they now have almost nil chances to make it through.
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