STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Taylor Fritz 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in an all-American final to win the Stuttgart Open on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Shelton saved nine of the 11 break points he faced to win his first title on grass. He saved two match points in his semi-final win over Jiri Lehecka.
It’s the No. 5-ranked Shelton’s sixth career title and his third of the season after wins in Munich and Dallas in April and February, respectively. Shelton also defeated Fritz in the Dallas decider.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
United States' Taylor Fritz returns the ball to United States' Ben Shelton during their Stuttgart Open tennis final match in Stuttgart, Germany, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP)
United States' Taylor Fritz returns the ball to United States' Ben Shelton during their Stuttgart Open tennis final match in Stuttgart, Germany, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP)
United States' Ben Shelton returns the ball to United States' Taylor Fritz during their Stuttgart Open tennis final match in Stuttgart, Germany, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP)
MONTMELO, Spain (AP) — Lewis Hamilton won his first race since joining Ferrari two years ago while Formula 1 leader Kimi Antonelli broke down at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on Sunday.
Hamilton increased his record win haul to 106 career victories with his first since the Belgian GP in July 2024 while he was still with Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion took advantage of fresher tires and a superior pitstop strategy by Ferrari to overtake the pole-sitting George Russell, who finished second.
Antonelli had passed his Mercedes teammate Russell when his car came to a stop on the track with just four laps to go. He had won five races in a row.
Hamilton broke Mercedes’ grip on the top spot of the podium this season, which had lasted six races.
“Thank you so much to help me achieve this dream,” Hamilton told his team radio. “Thank you for everyone pushing so hard at home, thanks to my family, and to my fans who continue to remind me who I am. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
He then stood on his car, pumped his fist and sprinted to leap into the arms of his thrilled engineers and pit crew members.
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Mercedes drivers George Russell, left, of Britain and Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy steer their cars during the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during qualifying session for the Spain F1 Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/Pool Photo via AP)
From left: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain, and Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy celebrate after qualifying session for the Spain F1 Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain celebrates his pole position after qualifying session for the Spain F1 Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain returns to the pits after session for the Spain F1 Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/Pool Photo via AP)
