🎾 ATP Munich: Van De Zandschulp vs Shelton

🎾 ATP Munich: Van De Zandschulp vs Shelton – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇺🇸 Ben Shelton

• 2025 Season: Title in Houston, but still adapting to European clay
• Recent Form: Narrow escape vs Gojo in R1; lost to Fokina from a set up in Monte Carlo
• Surface Struggles: Movement and patience tested on slower courts
• Goal: Seeking first European clay QF to support Top 10 ranking push

🇳🇱 Botic van de Zandschulp

• Career Dip: Confidence shaken after 2023 Munich final loss
• Signs of Revival: Beat Bautista Agut as a lucky loser to reach R2
• Munich Love Affair: Finalist in 2022 and 2023; all losses here vs eventual champs
• Clay Credentials: Comfortable, composed, and consistent on European clay

🔍 Match Breakdown

Shelton’s weapons are electrifying on hard courts and in fast conditions, but slower European clay has neutralized his explosive style. While his serve and forehand remain threats, his lack of clay-court rhythm shows in extended exchanges and movement on the dirt.

Van de Zandschulp, meanwhile, looks at home in Munich. His game thrives on patient baseline rallies and court control—exactly what Shelton has yet to master on clay. With two finals at this very tournament, Botic enters with confidence and crowd familiarity.

The key will be whether Shelton can keep points short and dictate play. If Botic engages him in long, physical rallies, especially with Shelton possibly fatigued from a marathon opener, the Dutchman will have a real shot at the upset.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Van de Zandschulp in 3 sets

With clay court experience and Munich magic on his side, the Dutchman is well-positioned to frustrate Shelton and edge out a gritty win.