ATP
Becker on board for Shelton’s Stuttgart success
Boris Becker and two-time former champion Matteo Berrettini were in the crowd on Sunday as Ben Shelton lifted the first grass title of his career with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 defeat of Taylor Fritz.
The result between the American pair prevented Fritz from defending the title he won at the hilltop Weissenhof club a year ago.
Italy’s Berrettini, injured at Roland Garros last week, showed up in Germany at the request of tournament and his personal sponsor Hugo Boss, presumably for multiple rounds of handshaking at personal appearances.
Becker is rarely missing from German tournament finals.
ATP No. 5 Shelton earned a sixth career title a second in Germany this season after winning Munich in April.
Shelton withstood 14 aces from Fritz while saving nine of the 11 break points which came his way on the grass.
Shelton defeated Fritz in the Dallas final last February and now holds thetop American spot ahead of his ninth-ranked compatriot.