Ben Shelton explained why he is still trying to learn about playing clay court tennis.
The American started his campaign on the dirt at the Monte Carlo Masters, but lost in the opening round to former finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The 22-year-old has since travelled to Germany to compete in the Munich Open, and he began his campaign with a victory.
But Shelton had to do it the hard way and he is still finding ways to adapt his explosive game to the slower and higher bouncing clay courts.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for BMWWhat does Ben Shelton find ‘weird’ about clay court tennis?
2025 marks what is just Ben Shelton’s third full season as a professional tennis player.
He has established himself as a top 20 player and Shelton also has two Grand Slam semi-finals to his name.
However, the vast majority of his success so far has come on hard courts and he is still understanding how to play on European clay.
“I think this is the type of tough win that can propel your season, or propel your clay-court swing,” Shelton told reporters after his first round match in Munich.
“Weird things happen on clay. It’s not always straightforward. I’m learning more and more every day how to play, how to move. I’m just happy with the progression.
“Obviously being down match points is never easy, and to come through was a little bit lucky but I’m happy with the way I closed it out.”
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for BMWBen Shelton saves match points to win opening match in Munich
Shelton took on Croatia’s Borna Gojo in his first match at the 2025 Munich Open.
The World number 15 was made to work extremely hard for his victory, and saved three match points before claiming the win.
Shelton saved his first two match points while trailing 4-6 in the second set tiebreak, before saving a third at 5-6, 30-40 in the deciding set.
After two hours and 25 minutes Shelton prevailed 4-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(3) and he gave an honest assessment of the tricky contest.
“That was ridiculously difficult,” Shelton said. “The way that he served, the way that he played, even when he got upset. He just started slapping winners.
“That was a tough ask, to go up against him. I got lucky in a couple of big moments and held my nerve down a few match points. I’m really happy to be in the second round here in Munich.”