By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday, April 14, 2025
Ben Shelton showcased his remarkable resilience in Munich on Monday.
This time, it was Borna Gojo who faded from the spotlight.
Shelton defied the odds by saving three match points to claim victory over the Croatian qualifier with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(3) in a gripping 2-hour and 23-minute showdown. In the second set tiebreak, Gojo was close to wrapping it up before he misplayed a critical volley, granting Shelton a second chance. Shelton took control of the next point, evening it at 6-all before sealing the set.
In the decisive third set, Gojo once again had the upper hand with Shelton serving at 5-6, 30-40; however, he misfired a backhand long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZu2JgBhpo0" title="Watch Ben Shelton's Thrilling Match
“That was extraordinarily tough,” Shelton remarked following his narrow escape. “The way he was serving and playing, even when he got frustrated and began firing off winners—it was a tall order today. I got a bit lucky at crucial moments and managed to keep my composure during those match points. I’m thrilled to advance to the second round here in Munich.”
Shelton, who defended against 9 out of 10 break points, is set to face either Botic van de Zandschulp or Roberto Bautista in the next round.
“I believe this kind of gritty win can enhance your season, especially with the clay-court swing approaching,” Shelton told Seb Lauzier of ATP Media on court. “Weird things tend to occur on clay, making it unpredictable. I’m continuously learning how to play and move better. Being down match points is definitely challenging, and coming through feels a bit fortunate, but I’m pleased with how I finished.”
In other matches, two-time champion Alexander Zverev cruised through his encounter against France’s Alexandre Muller with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
Additionally, Tallon Griekspoor, Miomir Kecmanovic, and David Goffin also progressed to the next stage.
