Alexander Zverev is through to the final at the Stuttgart Open after defeating Ben Shelton in straight sets.

Zverev defeated the American in a match that featured two tiebreaks, winning 7-6, 7-6 to set up a 13th career clash with Taylor Fritz.

The world number three is pursuing his 25th career title, and his second of the season, having already triumphed at the Munich Open in April, where Zverev beat Shelton to lift the trophy.

In getting past the 22-year-old once again in Stuttgart, the German has achieved something for the first time since 2017.

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton hug at the net in Stuttgart.Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty ImagesWhat Alexander Zverev has done for the first time in eight years

Zverev has never found too much success on grass courts over his career, having only made the final of a tournament on the surface twice before this year’s Stuttgart Open.

His last appearance in a final on grass was eight years ago at the Halle Open in 2017, where he lost to Roger Federer in straight sets.

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Zverev lost to Federer 6-1, 6-3, in what was a dominant performance from the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

He also made the final in Halle the year before, where he was overcome by compatriot Florian Mayer.

Alexander Zverev’s record at Wimbledon ahead of the 2025 championships

Zverev’s search for a maiden major title will continue at Wimbledon this year, the Grand Slam he has had the least success at.

Despite having made the final at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open since his debut on tour, he has never made it past the fourth round at the All England Club.

Grand SlamZverev’s Win Percentage Australian Open 76% Roland Garros 79% Wimbledon 67% US Open 74%

He matched his best finish at the championships last year, making it to the fourth round before bowing out to Fritz over five sets.

Entering the tournament for the ninth time this year, Zverev will hope to build on his promising grass-court form in Stuttgart heading into SW19.