MUNICH -- American Ben Shelton has made headlines once again as he advanced to the finals of the BMW Open, battling past Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo in a thrilling semifinal match on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The 22-year-old lefty secured his spot in the final with a hard-fought 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory at the MTTC Iphitos complex, marking a significant achievement for American tennis.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it makes Shelton the first American man to reach an ATP 500 final on clay since the category was established in 2009. The rising star, currently ranked No. 15 in the world, is looking to add to his growing list of accomplishments after winning the ATP 250 event in Houston last year.
In the semifinal, Shelton faced a tough challenge against the fifth-seeded Cerundolo, who had been in fine form throughout the tournament. The match started with Cerundolo taking control, winning the first set 6-2, showcasing his powerful baseline game and strategic play. However, Shelton, known for his resilience and powerful serves, refused to back down.
As the second set unfolded, Shelton found his rhythm, pushing the match into a tiebreaker after leveling the score at one set apiece. He managed to clinch the tiebreaker 7-6, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. The final set saw both players exchanging powerful shots, but Shelton ultimately seized the moment, breaking Cerundolo’s serve and securing the match.
"I’m not the player I want to be yet, but I’m working towards it for sure," Shelton said in a post-match interview, reflecting on his journey and growth as a player. He also expressed his excitement about reaching the final, stating, "We’re back, big dog," while addressing his father, who was present in the audience.
Before reaching the semifinals, Shelton had a challenging path in the tournament, overcoming Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo (4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3)) and Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp (7-6 (1), 6-3) before defeating Italian Luciano Darderi (6-4, 6-3) in the quarterfinals. His performance against Darderi was particularly impressive, as he hit 29 winners compared to Darderi's 12, showcasing his aggressive playing style.
As Shelton prepares for the final, he will face the winner of the semifinal match between top seed Alexander Zverev and Hungarian Fabian Marozsan. Zverev, who has been a dominant force on clay, is looking to capitalize on his home advantage in Munich. In their semifinal clash, Zverev managed to edge out Marozsan in a tightly contested match.
In the lead-up to the BMW Open, Shelton had experienced a rollercoaster season. He began 2025 with a remarkable run at the Australian Open, where he became the youngest American to reach the semifinals since Andy Roddick in 2003. However, setbacks at the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters, where he faced early exits, put his momentum at risk. Yet, his recent performances indicate a return to form.
Cerundolo, on the other hand, had his own impressive journey to the semifinals, defeating Belgian David Goffin (6-2, 6-4) in the quarterfinals. His consistent play throughout the season has made him a formidable opponent, but on this day, Shelton's determination and skill proved too much to handle.
As the final approaches, fans are eager to see if Shelton can claim his first ATP 500 title and continue his ascent in the world of tennis. His powerful serves, which have already seen him hit over 140 aces this season, will be crucial in the final against either Zverev or Marozsan.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the BMW Open, with Shelton aiming to make history for American tennis by capturing the title. Will he succeed in his quest, or will his opponent rise to the occasion? Only time will tell as the final match promises to be a thrilling showdown.
