Goffin ends Shelton comeback bid at Shanghai Masters

David Goffin beat Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 on Friday to end the American's comeback bid at the Shanghai Masters, denying the 22-year-old a return to competitive tennis after a month-long injury layoff. The match at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena was played in front of a partially interrupted crowd after a brief rain delay, and lasted just under 80 minutes.

Goffin, the 34-year-old Belgian ranked outside the top 80, seized control early, breaking Shelton in the third and seventh games to take the first set in just over 30 minutes. A short rain suspension interrupted the second set when Shelton was mounting a recovery, but play resumed and Goffin secured a decisive break in the ninth game to close out the match 6-4. The veteran finished with a strong attacking display and limited unforced errors, while Shelton failed to convert three break-point opportunities.

Shelton, seeded sixth and ranked sixth in the world, was making his first appearance since withdrawing from the US Open in September because of a left shoulder injury. He had said ahead of Shanghai that his shoulder was improving and that he would not enter events until he felt ready to compete. Earlier this year Shelton won...