Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz have confirmed their participation in the ATP 500 event in Munich, scheduled for April 11-19, as they look to push past long-standing barriers in their careers. The two close friends will compete alongside Alexander Zverev, who defeated Shelton in last year’s final to claim his third Munich crown. Shelton enters the new season determined to build on his breakthrough at the Canadian Open, while Fritz remains the highest-ranked American, finishing 2025 at World No. 6.
Shelton’s hunger for redemption
Shelton enjoyed a strong run at the 2025 Munich Open, defeating Borna Gojo, Botic Van de Zandschulp, Luca Darderi, and Francisco Cerundolo to reach the final. His growing comfort on clay was evident, but Zverev’s composed performance and decisive “four-game spurt” across the end of the first set and start of the second sealed a 6-2, 6-4 victory. Despite the loss, Shelton’s determination to return stronger in 2026 is clear.
Mouratoglou on Shelton’s potential
Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou recently suggested that Shelton could be one of the few players capable of challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the future. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said, “I see a lot of guys who can start to become a threat if they progress,” while admitting it is difficult to identify a clear challenger right now. Mouratoglou emphasized that mindset will be crucial, adding, “The next guy will have to have a huge ego if he wants to be in the mix. Shelton’s confidence in himself and in his game is big enough.”
Grand Slam progress and challenges
Shelton’s Grand Slam record shows both promise and gaps. He has yet to reach a final, though he has come close twice, and has not advanced to the semi-finals at Wimbledon or Roland Garros. His best Wimbledon result came in 2025 with a quarter-final run, while his clay-court highlight remains a fourth-round appearance in Paris. Losses to Alcaraz and Sinner have underlined the challenge ahead, though taking a set from the Spaniard showed his potential to compete at the highest level.
Fritz’s consistency and leadership
Taylor Fritz continues to lead the American charge, closing 2025 as World No. 6. His consistency across surfaces and ability to deliver in big matches has made him a reliable figure on tour. Partnering with Shelton in Munich highlights the strength of American tennis heading into 2026, with both players eager to break new ground.
Looking ahead to Munich and beyond
The Munich event offers Shelton a chance at redemption and Fritz an opportunity to consolidate his position among the elite. With Zverev again in the field, the stage is set for a compelling contest. For Shelton, belief in his own game, as Mouratoglou highlighted, could be the key to finally overcoming the hurdles that have defined his career so far.
Taylor Fritz in 2025
Now the world no.6, the American played his last match on the 13th of November when he was defeated by world no.7 Alex De Minaur 7-6(3) 6-3 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This season Taylor owns a 53-23 record. Taylor has won 3 titles in 2025 in Australia, Stuttgart and Eastbourne. The American got to the final in Tokyo.
Ben Shelton in 2025
LLLLWWWLWL Ranked world no.9, the American played his last match on the 14th of November when he was overcome by world no.3 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(6) in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
At the moment, during this season Shelton owns a compiled 40-24 match record. This year, the American won 1 tournament in Toronto. The American reached the final in Munich.
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton faced off just on 2 occasions. Their record is 1-1.
