🎾 ATP Munich: Francisco Cerúndolo vs Ben Shelton

🎾 ATP Munich: Francisco Cerúndolo vs Ben Shelton – Final Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇦🇷 Francisco Cerúndolo

• Locked in: Cerúndolo has been in sensational form this week, dropping just 13 games across three matches on his way to the final.
• Consistency paying off: He’s now joined the 20-win club in 2025, rubbing shoulders with Alcaraz, De Minaur, and Fokina in terms of match wins this season.
• Trophy overdue: After a series of deep runs in ATP events, this week feels like his best shot yet to finally lift a title.
• Big-match ready: He’s no stranger to tough opposition—holding a 4–4 record against Top 20 players this year and nearly .500 since 2023.
• Natural on clay: His movement, point construction, and court IQ make him a nightmare to play on red dirt.

🇺🇸 Ben Shelton

• Thriving under pressure: Shelton has impressed all week, taking out seasoned clay-courters like Van de Zandschulp and Darderi with smart, composed tennis.
• Still learning the surface: He’s relatively new to European clay, entering the week with only eight matches played on it—but learning fast.
• Top 10 target: Currently ranked No. 15, he’s capitalizing on the clay swing to chase a Top 10 breakthrough, especially with no points to defend on this surface.
• Limited clay résumé: While he did win Houston, that was on faster, American green clay. This will be his biggest test on slower red dirt.
• Altitude factor: The slightly quicker conditions in Munich suit his game, especially his powerful lefty serve and short-point instincts.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Shelton won their only previous meeting, but that was on hard court in the U.S.—a far cry from the conditions in Munich. Here, Cerúndolo is firmly in his element, with altitude clay amplifying his already reliable topspin and footwork.

The Argentine thrives in longer exchanges and has the tactical discipline to drag Shelton into rallies where he’s less comfortable. He’ll look to use angles, height, and timing to disrupt Shelton’s rhythm and limit his ability to shorten points with big serves or forehands.

That said, Shelton’s confidence is high, and his athleticism is a major asset. If he serves well and takes control early in rallies, he could make life difficult for Cerúndolo. But with Cerúndolo’s current form and clay savvy, it’ll be tough to keep him out of rhythm for long.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Francisco Cerúndolo in 2 tight sets

Shelton will challenge him, especially in the early stages, but Cerúndolo’s patience, precision, and deep clay-court instincts should prove decisive in the biggest moments.