In a thrilling semifinal showdown at the BMW Munich Open, No. 2 seed Ben Shelton secured his place in the final with a hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo. The American showcased remarkable resilience, rallying from a set down to win 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4, demonstrating his growing prowess on clay courts.
The match, held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, saw Shelton face an uphill battle after dropping the first set. However, he turned the tide in the second set, fighting through a tense tiebreaker to level the match. In the decisive third set, Shelton overcame an early break, displaying his mental fortitude and determination to clinch the win.
“Yeah. I’m enjoying myself. I’m trying to learn,” Shelton said post-match, reflecting on his approach to the clay surface. “I’ve played some great clay courters, learning some things from them on the court. I’m not too stressed right now. I’m just competing. I’m enjoying myself.”
His journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive. In his opening match, Shelton saved three match points against Borna Gojo, a sign of his tenacity and fighting spirit. Now, he stands on the brink of claiming his first ATP 500 title, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Meanwhile, the top seed, Alexander Zverev, is also vying for a spot in the final. The German star, a two-time champion in Munich, faced Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the other semifinal. Zverev, backed by a passionate home crowd, is eager to reclaim his form after a challenging start to the season, which saw him slip in the rankings.
In a previous quarterfinal match, Zverev exhibited his trademark grit, battling back to defeat Tallon Griekspoor in a marathon encounter that lasted over three hours. He won 6-7(6), 7-6(3), 6-4, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The match was a testament to Zverev's resolve, especially after Griekspoor had served for the match in the second set.
“I’m just focusing on the next match,” Zverev stated, emphasizing his commitment to improving his game as he heads into the semifinal against Marozsan. The stakes are high, as Zverev aims to secure his first final since the Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals earlier this year.
Marozsan, ranked No. 77 in the world, has been a revelation this tournament. He advanced to the semifinals after defeating Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-6(4), and has shown impressive form by overcoming higher-ranked opponents, including No. 4 seed Ugo Humbert. However, facing Zverev on his home turf presents a formidable challenge.
The head-to-head record favors Zverev, who has previously defeated Marozsan in their only encounter at the Miami Open last year. Despite this, Marozsan's performance in Munich has raised eyebrows, and he will look to capitalize on any opportunities against the seasoned German.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds around the potential final matchup between Shelton and Zverev, two players at different stages of their careers. Shelton, just beginning to make his mark on the ATP Tour, contrasts sharply with Zverev, who has established himself as one of the top players in the world.
The BMW Munich Open, held from April 14-20, 2025, features a total prize pool of €2,500,000. This prestigious event marks the first of four German tournaments on the ATP calendar and has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1900. The tournament has seen many German champions, including three-time winner Philipp Kohlschreiber and the back-to-back champion Zverev.
With the final set to take place soon, all eyes will be on the court as these two talented players battle for the title. Will Shelton claim his first ATP 500 title, or will Zverev continue his legacy in Munich? The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
