Shelton Claims Victory in BMW Open Final with Straight Sets Win

Ben Shelton secured his fifth Tour title by defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 7-5, and acknowledged that clay is gradually becoming one of his preferred surfaces. Shelton's win marked his second clay title and made him the first American to claim three ATP 500 titles. After being knocked out in the round of 16 at Roland Garros last year, Shelton expressed his ambitions for the upcoming clay court season. Shelton outperformed Cobolli from the start, breaking his serve in the first game and withstanding six break points in his first service game. The 23-year-old Cobolli was unable to replicate his impressive performance from the previous day, when he defeated Alexander Zverev. Shelton's victory also made him the first American since Andre Agassi in 2002 to win a title on clay above the ATP 250 level. Meanwhile, Arthur Fils won his first title since 2024 at the Barcelona Open, overcoming Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (2). Fils, who returned to action in February after an eight-month injury layoff, claimed his fourth ATP title with the win.