Ben Shelton beats Cobolli to Win Munich Title
Ben Shelton defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 7-5 to win the Munich title.
Shelton took control early, winning the first set 6-2. The second set was tighter, with Cobolli pushing back, but Shelton held his nerve to close it out 7-5.
The win marks his fifth career title and his second on clay. It also makes him the first American man to win a clay title above ATP 250 level since Andre Agassi in Rome in 2002.
After finishing runner-up in Munich last year, Shelton returned and went one step further this time.
After the match, he reflected on the moment and thanked those around him.
“Most important, I wanna thank God first of all. I feel blessed to be playing here, to have the people around me that I do. These experiences on tour are important and special. I don’t take it for granted. Like I said I’m grateful and very blessed.”
He also praised Cobolli and his team.
“I wanna congratulate Flavio. I know this was an emotional week for you. Some of the tennis you were coming up with was outstanding. Your match yesterday was a privilege to watch… The work you and your team do, always smiling, playing football… you’re a big personality. A big reason our game is growing.
“To your whole team, your family, your father who’s not here… you guys are the best. Keep it going. Top 10 soon. Just happy to see the progress both of us have made throughout the last few years.”
