Ben Shelton was showered with several gifts after he won the BMW Open in Munich. The American heavy server defeated Flavio Cobolli in straight sets (6-2, 7-5) to win the biggest clay-court title of his career.
Shelton became the first American in over two decades to win an ATP 500-level tournament or higher on clay.
First things first, Shelton pocketed €478,935 (roughly $500,000+) along with 500 ranking points for becoming Munich champion. However, the money is only a part of the prize.
The American also took home a brand new BMW car. He became the newly minted owner of the all-electric BMW iX M70. This iconic perk is what makes the tournament so special every year.
Last but not least, Shelton embraced the most iconic tradition of Munich. The winner of the BMW Open dressed up in traditional Bavarian attire. Shelton’s photos holding lederhosen were shared on Instagram.
Shelton spoke about the win as he expressed his satisfaction with his performance this week.
“I came out at a really high level and have done that before against him,” Shelton said. “The toughest thing is maintaining it as he raises his level. I managed to do that in the second set and played some great tennis. I am happy with my performance this week. I got better and better as the week went on and I am happy with the work my team put in.”
Ben Shelton Embraces Clay Court Like Never Before
This was Ben Shelton’s fifth ATP championship. Most of his championships have been won on hard surfaces, but for a change, the American seems to have managed himself well this season on clay so far.
After winning the title in Munich, Shelton shared his big plans to do well on clay this year.
“I have big ambitions for the clay courts,” said Shelton. “It is a surface I want to get better on each year. It is slowly becoming one of my favourite surfaces to play on.”
“I am happy with my performance this week. I got better and better as the week went on and I am happy with the work my team put in.”
Shelton’s latest win will see the American now in the hunt to elevate himself in the rankings. The current World No. 6 has Novak Djokovic and Felix-Auger Aliassime ahead of him now, but if he does well in Madrid and Rome, he could jump inside the top four real soon.
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