Shelton Wins Munich Title For Biggest Clay Court Title For An American Man Since 2002
Ben Shelton won the fifth ATP Tour title of his career on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 7-5 to win the BMW Open in Munich, Germany.
Shelton reached the final a year ago but lost to Alexander Zverev in the championship. This time around, he delivered his second career title on clay, and the biggest clay court title by an American man since Andre Agassi in Rome in 2002.
“I came out at a really high level and have done that before against him,” said Shelton. “The toughest thing is maintaining it as he raises his level. I managed to do that in the second set and played some great tennis. I am happy with my performance this week. I got better and better as the week went on, and I am happy with the work me and the team put in.”
Shelton had previously won the Houston title back in 2024 for his maiden clay court title, but now adds an ATP 500 clay title to his resume. He jumped on Cobolli right away, breaking the Italian in the opening game of the match, and then fought off six break points in the ensuing game.
In the second set, after rallying from 0-30 down at 4-5, a late break of serve gave Shelton the straight-sets victory.
“I have big ambitions for the clay court,” said Shelton. “It is a surface I want to get better on each year. It is slowly becoming one of my favorite surfaces to play on.”
As a result of his victory, Shelton strengthens his grip on the World No. 6 ranking.
