Ben Shelton shines in Munich, first American to reach ATP 500 clay court semi-final since start of series in 2009

Ben Shelton has opened up a new milestone with his latest win as he takes one step closer to the title at the Munich Open on Friday. He saw off Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-3 in a superb display.

Shelton is the first American since the start of the ATP 500 series back in 2009 to reach a clay court semi-final and also reaches his second clay court semi-final overall.

A surprising stat perhaps given that Taylor Fritz for instance is in the top 10 and Tommy Paul has previously flirted with the higher echelons no mind the likes of Andy Roddick even. But Shelton makes history.

It is the overall encompassing of an education too. Shelton spent the summer two years ago on his first rungs on the tour playing clay court tournaments in Europe to develop his game and he is now seeing it pay dividends as the road towards Roland Garros begins to gather pace.

Who next for Shelton but perhaps one of the toughest clay court examinations as he faces off with Francisco Cerundolo who last took down David Goffin 6-2, 6-4 and has barely been losing games all week.

Cerundolo has led the tour with wins at times this season and alongside other South Americans such as Sebastian Baez is on the cusp of a clay court breakout sooner rather than later. The Golden Swing often paints a picture of the quality he possesses.

But bringing it to Europe is a different beast. He then could meet Alexander Zverev in the final who faces Tallon Griekspoor later today. The victor of that tie will be favourite to make the final. They face either Fabian Marozsan most noted for beating Carlos Alcaraz in Rome two years ago or Zizou Bergs who thrashed the Lucky Loser, Diego Dedura Palomero yesterday.