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The American, playing in his second match of the day, won 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (16-14) 7-6 (8-6) after two hours and 54 minutes to set up a clash against compatriot Taylor Fritz in the final.

Shelton began the day by completing a comeback victory over qualifier Sho Shimabukuro, which ended in a 4-6 6-3 6-4 win for the No.1 seed.

The 23-year-old would have hoped for an easier tie against Lehecka, but neither player was able to convert a break point as all three sets went to a tie-break.

Lehecka squandered the only two break points in the first, but got the better of Shelton in the tie-break as he claimed the lead with his first set point.

Momentum then seemed to swing in Shelton's favour as he brought up three break points in the second, although Lehecka held his nerve to force the tie-break.

The second set tie-break was a nail-biter, with multiple lead changes and Lehecka failing to convert two match points before Shelton finally levelled the match on his eighth set point.

The third tie-break was simpler for Shelton, who clinched victory with his second match point in Germany.

Shelton could now win his third title of the season, having already won in Munich and Dallas, where he defeated upcoming opponent Fritz in the final.