Shelton Joins Cerundolo in Munich Tournament Semifinals

After Francisco Cerundolo secured his spot earlier in the day against David Goffin (6-2, 6-4), it was time for the second semifinal of the ATP 500 tournament in Munich, featuring Luciano Darderi, fresh off his first ATP title win in Marrakech, and Ben Shelton, the No. 2 seed in Bavaria.

On a seven-match winning streak on clay, the Italian eliminated Christopher O’Connell (7-6, 7-6) and Miomir Kecmanovic (2-6, 7-6, 6-4) to reach the quarterfinals of the German tournament. On the other side, Shelton saved three match points in his opening match against Borna Gojo (4-6, 7-6, 7-6) before confirming his form against Botic van de Zandschulp (7-6, 6-3).

On clay, the advantage leaned toward the Italian, though Shelton remained a dangerous opponent. However, in the end, Shelton prevailed in straight sets to secure his place in the Munich semifinals (6-4, 6-3), setting up a clash with Cerundolo for a spot in the final.

The two have faced each other once before, at the 2024 Indian Wells tournament, where Shelton won in a third-set tiebreak. This will mark their first encounter on clay between the Argentine and the American.