In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Munich Open, Alexander Zverev secured his place in the semifinals after a hard-fought victory against Tallon Griekspoor, winning 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 on April 18, 2025. The match, which lasted three hours and 14 minutes, showcased the resilience and determination of the German star, who is now on the hunt for his third title at this prestigious tournament.
The opening set was a tense affair, with both players showing remarkable skill and composure. Griekspoor, ranked 37th in the world, displayed his prowess by taking the first set in a tiebreak, 7-6. Zverev had opportunities to break earlier in the set but could not capitalize, ultimately leading to the tiebreak where he initially took a 4-2 lead. However, Griekspoor rallied to win the set, leaving Zverev to regroup for the second.
The second set saw Zverev, the world number three and top seed, facing early adversity as Griekspoor broke his serve to lead 2-0. But the German responded with grit, breaking back and eventually forcing another tiebreak. This time, Zverev took control, saving two set points before winning the tiebreak 7-6, leveling the match at one set apiece.
In the final set, both players held serve until Zverev found the crucial break at 3-3. He then maintained his composure to close out the match 6-4, securing his place in the semifinals for the first time in seven years. After the match, Zverev expressed his relief and joy at the hard-fought victory, saying, "At the end of the day, I'm very happy to have won the match. He played very well tactically and made it very difficult for me. Today I had to somehow get through. Hopefully, I'll play better tennis tomorrow."
This victory not only avenged Zverev's early exit at Indian Wells against Griekspoor but also ended a six-tournament streak without advancing past the quarterfinals. His last semifinal appearance came earlier this year at the Australian Open. Now, Zverev is set to face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, who advanced by defeating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) in the other quarterfinal.
As Zverev looks ahead, he has his sights set on claiming the Munich Open title, a tournament he won back in 2017 and 2018. The stakes are high, especially as he aims for a title on his 28th birthday, which falls on the day of the final. "I’m extremely happy. Finally, I won a close one," Zverev remarked after the match, highlighting his mental fortitude in overcoming the challenges presented by Griekspoor.
Adding to the drama of the match, a fan’s offensive remark directed at Zverev during the second set added a layer of tension. The German quickly called for the umpire to remove the fan, stating, "Fergus, please kick him out." Despite the disruption, Zverev maintained focus and composure, ultimately securing the win.
Looking at the other side of the draw, American Ben Shelton advanced to the semifinals with a solid performance against Luciano Darderi, winning 6-4, 6-3. Shelton's victory marks his second semifinal appearance of the season, following his run at the Australian Open earlier this year. He will face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, who reached the semifinals by defeating David Goffin 6-2, 6-4.
The Munich Open has attracted a stellar lineup this year, and as the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches. With Zverev's impressive comeback against Griekspoor, he has reignited hopes of capturing another title on home soil. The atmosphere at the MTTC Iphitos complex is electric, and as Zverev prepares for his next challenge, the excitement is palpable. Can he continue his winning streak and claim victory in Munich once again?
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Zverev as he aims to showcase his skills and determination in the semifinals. With the support of his home crowd, he looks poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown, and fans are ready to see if Zverev can rise to the occasion and secure his place in the finals.
