Ben Shelton tips his hat to Flavio Cobolli after Munich Open win

Ben Shelton adds Munich Open title to his 2026 season in a straight-sets win over Flavio Cobolli

Ben Shelton picked up his second title of the year and the fifth of his career, defeating Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to claim the Munich Open.

Shelton came up short in last year’s final against Alexander Zverev, but this time he managed to go one better.

The American came out on top against Flavio Cobolli, beating him 6-2, 7-5. That result puts him alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev as the only players with more than one title in 2026 so far.

He also became the first American to win a clay-court tournament since Andre Agassi back at the Rome Masters in 2002.

Ben Shelton backs Flavio Cobolli to break into the top 10 soon

“I wanna congratulate Flavio. I know this was an emotional week for you. Some of the tennis you were coming up with was outstanding.

“Your match yesterday was a privilege to watch. I’m sorry for saying that, guys. The work you and your team do, always smiling, playing football.

“You’re a big personality. A big reason our game is growing. To see you guys out here always makes me smile.

“To your whole team, your family, your father who’s not here, you guys are the best. Keep it going. Top 10 soon.

“Just happy to see the progress both of us have made throughout the last few years.”

Flavio Cobolli has a message for Ben Shelton after the final

During his runner-up speech, Cobolli joked: “Incredible week Ben. Me and Ben started the week together cheering for Bayern Munich in Champions League. Then we played the final here. Today he was better than me in tennis but for sure in football it’s never happened.

“I wanna say congrats for what you’re doing with your team. Incredible journey. You deserve it. I always cheer for you.

“You’re an incredible friend on the tour. I wish you good luck for the rest of the season. I hope to see you soon on the court.”

Shelton will remain sixth in the world with his victory, while Cobolli will move from 16th to 13th.

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