When it comes to expectations on clay, Joao Fonseca is already being touted by many as a future Roland-Garros champion. Make no mistake, the 19-year-old looks poised to become a major force on the surface—but don’t sleep on Ben Shelton.
The 23-year-old took care of business on Friday in Munich, halting the Brazilian’s bid to become just the tenth teenager to reach the semifinals at the event with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory.
Last year’s runner-up in Munich improves to 8-0 in ATP 500 events this season after capturing the title in Dallas in February. Shelton, ranked No. 6 in the world, reached his 14th career semifinal and notched his first Top 40 win on clay since defeating Francisco Cerundolo en route to last year’s final in Munich.
Shelton struck seven aces and won 38 of 45 first-serve points in the match. Afterward, the American said he appreciated the warmer, sunnier conditions.
“Certainly a much warmer day today, which led to more serve-plus-one tennis and shorter rallies compared to some of the colder days,” Shelton said. “So maybe not the kind of long rallies people were expecting.”
The American lost just 15 points on serve overall, though he was broken in the eighth game of the second set, allowing Fonseca to force a decider.
In the third set, Shelton never faced a break point. He secured the crucial break for 4-2 before closing out the match with two love holds.
Shelton came away impressed by his first meeting with the rising Brazilian, currently ranked No. 35.
“He’s an electric player—one of the fastest-rising stars we’ve seen on tour,” Shelton said. “It’s been really cool to watch his trajectory. For me, sharing the court with him is a privilege. He brings great energy, has fans all over the world, and I really enjoy that kind of atmosphere.”
Up next, Shelton will face either Denis Shapovalov or Alex Molcan for a place in the final.
“I love playing here,” Shelton said. “What is this, my eighth match? I’m 7-1 on this court—it’s been good to me. I’ve won tough matches, even some I maybe shouldn’t have, and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, no matter who it is.”
Top seed Alexander Zverev will face Flavio Cobolli in the top-half semifinal on Saturday.