Alexander Zverev celebrated his 28th birthday in spectacular style, capturing his third Munich Open title on April 20, 2025. In a dominant performance, the top-seeded German defeated American Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4, marking his first title of the 2025 season and solidifying his place in Munich Open history.
A Birthday to Remember
Zverev’s victory was made even sweeter as it occurred on his birthday. “It’s probably the most special thing I can do. It’s definitely a great birthday present, let’s put it that way,” Zverev said after the match. The crowd in Munich, which included Bayern Munich football star Thomas Muller, added to the celebratory atmosphere, cheering on their home favorite as he cruised to victory. He also received a brand new BMW as part of his winner’s prize.
Dominating Performance
Zverev’s comfort on the court was evident as he dismissed Shelton in straight sets. He did not face a single break point throughout the match, showcasing his strong serve and baseline game. Shelton, on the other hand, struggled with his serve, particularly with double faults at crucial moments, handing Zverev breaks in both sets.
- First Set Domination: Zverev secured an early break, capitalizing on Shelton’s double fault in the opening game. He maintained consistent rhythm, keeping the pressure on Shelton.
- Second Set Consistency: Zverev broke early again in the second set after Shelton’s late forehand. Shelton was unable to challenge Zverev’s serve, securing Zverev’s win.
A Historic Win
With this victory, Alexander Zverev equals compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber’s record of three Munich Open titles. Zverev previously won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. This win also marks his sixth title on home soil. It is worth noting that the 2025 edition of the Munich Open was upgraded to an ATP 500 tournament, making Zverev’s triumph even more significant.
Zverev’s Road to the Title
Zverev’s path to the final wasn’t without its challenges. In the quarterfinal, he had to fight back against Tallon Griekspoor, who served for the match. Meanwhile, Ben Shelton survived three match points in his debut against Borna Gojo.
Overcoming Recent Struggles
Prior to the Munich Open, Zverev had been struggling to find his form since reaching the Australian Open final in January, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. He had suffered early exits at Indian Wells and Monte Carlo. However, he turned things around in Munich, dropping only one set en route to the final.
Key Stats from the Final
- Zverev won 29 of his past 30 matches against left-handers.
- Zverev won his 24th career tour-level title.
- A quarter of Zverev’s titles have occurred in Germany.
What’s Next for Zverev?
With the Munich Open title under his belt, Alexander Zverev is looking to build on this momentum as he heads to the Madrid Masters. He aims to continue his winning ways and further solidify his position among the top players on the ATP Tour. Due to Carlos Alcaraz losing the Barcelona Open final, Zverev has reclaimed the No. 2 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Ben Shelton’s Promising Run
Despite the loss in the final, Ben Shelton had a strong showing in Munich. His performance will see him rise to No. 13 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, just one spot shy of his career high. Shelton also became the first American to reach a clay final above ATP 250 level since Andre Agassi in 2002.
Alexander Zverev: A Career Overview
Alexander “Sascha” Zverev, born on April 20, 1997, in Hamburg, Germany, has established himself as one of the leading figures in men’s tennis. As of April 21, 2025, he is ranked No. 2 in the world.
Key Achievements
- ATP Titles: Zverev has won 24 ATP Tour titles in singles and two in doubles.
- ATP Finals Champion: He has won the ATP Finals twice, in 2018 and 2021.
- Olympic Gold Medal: Zverev won a gold medal in singles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
- Grand Slam Finals: He has reached three Grand Slam finals: the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open, and the 2025 Australian Open.
- Masters 1000 Titles: Zverev has won seven Masters 1000 titles, including Rome (2017, 2024), Montreal (2017), Madrid (2018, 2021), Cincinnati (2021), and Paris (2024).
- United Cup: Zverev helped Team Germany win the 2024 United Cup.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Zverev was a successful junior player, winning the junior Grand Slam title at the 2014 Australian Open and achieving a No. 1 junior ranking. At 17, he became one of the youngest Challenger Tour title winners in history. By 20, he was the youngest player to debut in the top 20 since Novak Djokovic.
Playing Style and Strengths
Zverev is known for his powerful serve, strong baseline game, and aggressive playing style. He is also a skilled competitor with a strong mental game.
Coaching and Family
Zverev’s father, Alexander Zverev Sr., a former professional tennis player, has been his primary coach. His mother, Irina, is also a tennis coach, and his older brother, Mischa, is a former professional player.
Munich Open: A Storied Tournament
The International Tennis Championships of Bavaria, which includes the BMW Open, has a rich history dating back to 1900. The BMW Open was first held at Munich’s Iphitos Tennis Club in 1974. In 2025, the event was upgraded to an ATP 500 tournament.
Past Champions
Germans have won the title 10 times, including Philipp Kohlschreiber (2007, 2012, 2016) and Alexander Zverev (2017, 2018, 2025). Jan-Lennard Struff won the title in 2024.
Concluding Thoughts
Alexander Zverev’s victory at the 2025 Munich Open marks a significant moment in his career. Not only did he secure his first title of the season, but he also celebrated his birthday in style and made history by equaling the record for the most Munich Open titles in the Open Era. With his sights set on future tournaments, Zverev’s triumphant return to form is a testament to his dedication and skill on the court.
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