Ben Shelton has advanced to the semifinals of the BMW Open in Munich after defeating Luciano Darderi in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. The 22-year-old American showcased his growing confidence on clay with an impressive display of skill and determination.
Shelton will face Francisco Cerundolo, the fifth seed, who earned his spot by defeating David Goffin 6-2, 6-4. This semifinal marks Shelton’s second clay-court milestone after his title win in Houston last year.
Shelton has opened up about his journey to mastering clay courts after struggling on the surface in the past. The young American, known for his powerful serve and aggressive playstyle, admitted that his early experiences on clay were far from smooth.
“I was like a deer on ice a couple of years ago,” Shelton said, describing his initial challenges with adapting to the slower pace and unique movement required on clay. The surface, which demands precision and patience, posed a steep learning curve for the player who had grown accustomed to faster courts.
Shelton’s determination to improve has paid off, as he recently showcased his skills on clay with impressive performances. His ability to slide, control rallies, and utilize the higher bounce of the ball has evolved significantly, earning him praise from coaches and fans alike.
Ben Shelton in 2025
Now the world no.15, Ben played his last match on the 18th of April when he defeated world no.47 Luciano Darderi 6-4 6-3 in the quarter in Munich (draw).
At present, during this year Shelton owns an overall 13-7 record. Ben Shelton’s most significant result of the present year was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open.