Ben Shelton wins the Stuttgart Open ATP title after defeating defending champion Taylor Fritz 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in an all-American final on Sunday in Stuttgart, Germany. The match lasts about 1 hour and 48 minutes, with Shelton taking the opening set and recovering after dropping the second. Sources report that Shelton saves nine of 11 break points he faces to secure the win. The victory also comes after a semi-final performance in which Shelton saves two match points against Jiri Lehecka.
Shelton, 23, is ranked No. 5 and is credited with fighting back in the decisive third set by breaking Fritz once in that final. Fritz is described as a grass-court specialist and as having not previously lost a final on the surface. The title is Shelton’s first on grass and his sixth career ATP title. It is also his third title of the season, following wins in Munich and Dallas earlier in the year, and he had previously beaten Fritz in a Dallas final.
