Tennis: Zverev Claims Third BMW Open Title on His Birthday
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Synopsis
On April 20, Alexander Zverev celebrated his 28th birthday with a remarkable victory at the BMW Open in Munich. He claimed his third title at the event, defeating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 and matching Philipp Kohlschreiber's tournament record, solidifying his dominance in front of a home crowd.
Key Takeaways
- Zverev won his third BMW Open title.
- He celebrated his 28th birthday with a victory.
- Zverev faced no break points in the final.
- This marks his sixth title in Germany.
- Shelton struggled under pressure during the match.
Munich, April 20 (NationPress) On his 28th birthday, Alexander Zverev delivered an outstanding performance at the BMW Open, securing his third title at this event and equaling Philipp Kohlschreiber’s record. The German ace defeated second seed Ben Shelton with a decisive score of 6-2, 6-4, showcasing his dominance on home turf.
Zverev faced no break points throughout the 71-minute final, as his serve remained unbreakable, allowing him to dictate the match from beginning to end according to ATP Stats.
“This victory is incredibly special; winning tournaments in Germany means the world to me. It truly is a wonderful birthday gift,” he expressed.
“I knew I had to bring my best game today, as Ben has been performing impressively this week,” Zverev noted. “The conditions are ideal for him—hot and fast. They suit me as well, to be honest. I have enjoyed my birthday so far,” he added.
This title marks Zverev’s first of the 2025 season and his sixth overall in Germany, contributing to an impressive list of victories that includes titles in Hamburg and Vienna. Following a mixed performance since reaching the Australian Open final in January, the Munich title signifies a return to his peak form as the World No. 3.
On the other hand, Shelton, who was competing in his fourth ATP Tour final, struggled to find his rhythm under pressure, particularly double-faulting on break points in both sets. The American’s powerful game was unable to match Zverev’s precision, especially in the rapid conditions.
With this victory, Zverev secured his sixth ATP 500 title and is now positioned to challenge Carlos Alcaraz for the No. 2 ranking. Supported by an enthusiastic home crowd, the birthday celebrations in Munich were both fitting and emphatic.
“I feel truly blessed to perform in front of all of you on Easter Sunday; it’s incredibly special for me,” he concluded.
