Shelton's Resilient Run: From Match Points to All-American Final

Ben Shelton saved two match points against Jiri Lehecka to reach the Stuttgart Open final, setting up an all-American showdown with Taylor Fritz. Despite losing the first set in every match of the tournament, Shelton has shown grit and resilience to fight his way to the final.

Ben Shelton demonstrated exceptional resilience in the Stuttgart Open, overcoming two match points against Jiri Lehecka to secure a place in the final against fellow American Taylor Fritz. Shelton, ranked world number five, won 6-7(4) 7-6(14) 7-6(6), despite an earlier quarter-final completion.

Shelton's journey in the ATP grasscourt event hasn't been straightforward. 'Sometimes tennis doesn’t go to plan,' said Shelton, after his third consecutive three-set victory. Having lost the first set in every match played, he still managed to emerge victorious, reflecting his perseverance.

Shelton's second-set tiebreak was a marathon, leading to a two-hour-52-minute victory, setting up a challenging final. Meanwhile, reigning champion Fritz defeated Alexander Bublik with ease. In another event, the Libema Open, Australia's Alex de Minaur reached the final to face Kamil Majchrzak, who achieved his first ATP Tour singles final after beating Daniil Medvedev.