The 11-month ATP and WTA calendar has been a chronic headache for top players for a long time. On top of that, transitioning from fast, hard courts to the heavy red clay takes a massive physical toll, forcing players to manage their bodies to avoid injuries ahead of the French Open.
This week, the BMW Open in Munich had a sudden wave of high-profile withdrawals, which has now thinned the tournament’s field. However, the absence of the usual top seeds is also a golden opportunity for rest.
How Mass Withdrawals Reshape the Munich Draw for Ben Shelton
There are just a few days left before the BMW Open kicks off in Munich, and the tournament entry list has taken a massive hit. Taylor Fritz and Sebastian Korda, two of the top American contenders, officially pulled out of the ATP 500 event.
Fritz is managing a lingering knee issue, and Korda opted out as a precaution. Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik have also joined the list, as they are battling injuries.
Whenever top seeds exit, the draw breaks wide open. The remaining field is now headlined by a select few, with the defending champion Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Bublik, and Flavio Cobolli.
What are Shelton’s Chances at the BMW Open in Munich?
It’s true that Shelton’s path has cleared significantly, but Zverev remains the undisputed heavyweight of the tournament. Besides, Shelton has built his reputation on fast hard courts, while Zverev is completely at home on the dirt, and he is literally at home in Munich. Last year, Zverev defeated the American in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to hoist the trophy. Then there is Tsitsipas. The Greek star has a stronger clay-court pedigree, including a French Open final appearance and three titles at the Monte Carlo Masters.
MORE: Ben Shelton Gets Love from Girlfriend Trinity Rodman As He Shows Off Munich Prep
After the North American hard-court swing at the Miami Open, Shelton played the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston, but was knocked out by Thiago Tirante in the quarterfinal. The 23-year-old stayed to play doubles with his college friend Andres Andrade, and put together a title-winning performance against the top-seeded Brazilian pair of Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz. He skipped Monte Carlo and can enter Munich well-rested and rejuvenated.
Meanwhile, Zverev is playing at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he is set to face Jannik Sinner in the semifinal today. The German No. 1 will have to make a rapid transition to Munich. Shelton’s run at Munich will ultimately depend on the seasoned veterans, but the young American now has an opportunity to find his footing on clay, just in time for Roland Garros.
