American Ben Shelton defeated compatriot and defending champion Taylor Fritz 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in an all-American final to win the Stuttgart Open on Sunday. The victory marks the 23-year-old's first title on grass and his sixth career title.
The world number five saved nine of the 11 break points he faced during the final. This win is Shelton's third title of the season, following victories in Dallas and Munich, making him one of only two players to win three titles this year, alongside Italian world number one Jannik Sinner. Shelton had previously defeated Fritz in the Dallas decider.
Shelton's path to the final was challenging, featuring a semi-final victory over Czech player Jiri Lehecka where he saved two match points to win 6-7(4), 7-6(14), 7-6(6) in two hours and 52 minutes. Fritz reached the final after defeating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-4.
At the Libema Open in Hertogenbosch, Australia's Alex de Minaur beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-0 to set up a final against Poland's Kamil Majchrzak. Majchrzak reached his first ATP Tour singles final by defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6(4), 6-1.