Ben Shelton Survives Thriller in Munich After Saving Three Match Points
Zverev, Rublev, Rune also advance in early ATP action
In a gripping first-round clash at the BMW Open in Munich, American tennis star and No. 2 seed Ben Shelton narrowly avoided an early exit by staging a dramatic comeback against Croatia’s Borna Gojo on Monday. Shelton dropped the opening set 4-6 and was staring down defeat in both the second and third sets — but the 21-year-old held his nerve when it mattered most.
The second set went into a tense tiebreaker, where Gojo raced to a 6-4 lead, holding two match points. Shelton, refusing to back down, reeled off four straight points to steal the set and shift the momentum. In the final set, Gojo once again had a chance to close the match, holding match point at 6-5. But Shelton stood firm, forced another tiebreak, and ultimately sealed the win 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3).
It was a high-pressure match from start to finish, with both players serving strong. Shelton impressively saved 9 of 10 break points he faced throughout the match, showing maturity and grit under fire.
Elsewhere in Munich, top seed and local favorite Alexander Zverev breezed past France’s Alexandre Muller 6-4, 6-1, making a confident start to his campaign. Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, a wild card entry, also made it through, along with Belgium’s David Goffin, the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor, and Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.
Rublev, Rune Cruise Through Barcelona Open First Round
Over in Spain at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Russia’s Andrey Rublev had no trouble getting through his first-round match. The No. 4 seed powered past Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong 6-1, 6-3 in just under 65 minutes, hitting 23 clean winners in a commanding performance.
Sixth seed Holger Rune of Denmark also looked sharp. He defeated Spanish veteran Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-5, 6-4, tallying four aces and a 27-15 edge in total winners.
American Sebastian Korda had to work a bit harder, coming from a set down to defeat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Britain’s Jacob Fearnley — a lucky loser entry — also advanced, along with Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic and home favorite Pedro Martinez of Spain.
The week promises more thrilling matches as top seeds settle into the clay court season.
