Ben Shelton prepares for Turin and tactical serve shifts

Ben Shelton holds the number 4 ATP ranking as he prepares for the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, which runs from November 15 to 22. He secured a place in the eight-player field after winning four titles this year in Munich, Dallas, Stuttgart, and Montreal. His 2026 season includes 40 wins and 17 losses, a 70.2% win rate. Shelton lost all three round-robin matches during his debut in Turin last year. He aims to integrate serve-and-volley play to build a stronger foundation. His left-handed serve averages 126 mph and reaches 150 mph. He hit 142 mph during his Montreal victory over Brandon Nakashima. He converted 2 of 4 break chances in that final while Nakashima earned zero break points on Shelton’s serve. He also reached the US Open final after he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal. He lost that US Open final to Alexander Zverev. He became the first Black American man in a US Open singles final since 1972. He reached that final by beating Frances Tiafoe in four sets. He defended his Montreal crown in August without dropping a single set. He turned 24 on October 9, just nine days before his ATP Finals spot became official. Will his tactical shift in Turin result in a different outcome than his winless debut?

Taylor Fritz seeks higher ranking

Taylor Fritz holds the number 14 ranking with 2,880 points as of October 19, 2026. After he defeated former finalists Matteo Berrettini, Casper Ruud, and Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz reached the US Open final, which served as a massive milestone in his pursuit of a top five global ranking. Fritz holds a 67% win rate on indoor hard courts, consisting of 2 wins and 1 loss. He prioritizes a top five global ranking over his status as the number one American. Fritz deals with knee issues that limit his training intensity and match preparation. He notes that his movement feels different depending on his physical response. You might notice his ranking fluctuates as he manages these physical constraints. He is the third-highest ranked American. Fritz, who is 25 years old, has won 11 of 14 matches on grass since April. He dropped 8 places from his 2025 finish at number 6.

Developing the serve

Shelton suggests the Continental grip for players who want control over flat, slice, or kick serves. This grip requires the user to hold the handle as if they are shaking hands. The base knuckle of the index finger rests on the second bevel. Beginners also consider the semi-western grip, which places the knuckle on the fourth bevel and gives more topspin potential. This grip gives more control but sacrifices some speed. The western grip puts the knuckle on the fifth bevel but gives less versatility for flat or slice serves.

Shelton also advises a specific stance to generate power and balance. The front foot should angle toward the net post while the back foot stays parallel to the baseline. He aligns his shoulders and hips with his target. He uses a pre-serve routine involving bouncing the ball to maintain rhythm. This routine helps him stay focused under pressure. He also emphasizes the importance of a steady toss. To avoid errors, players should aim for a toss just above their fully extended arm. A low toss disrupts timing. An off-center hit weakens power. He also suggests avoiding an early backswing. A shallow backswing limits power. After the shot, players must rotate their hips and align their bodies toward the target. Players must then return to center with knees bent and weight on the balls of their feet using small, quick steps. To improve, players can use wall practice, serve-and-volley drills, and full-court practice.