Munich, April 20 (AP) — Alexander Zverev celebrated his 28th birthday in style, winning his third Munich Open title by defeating second-seeded Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday. This victory marks Zverev's first title of the year and his 24th overall on the ATP tour, further solidifying his status as one of the top players in men’s tennis.
The German star, who previously claimed the Munich title in 2017 and 2018, matched fellow German Philipp Kohlschreiber's record of three titles at the tournament. Zverev, currently ranked World No. 3, delivered a dominant performance throughout the match, not facing a single break point in the 71-minute final.
Under sunny skies at the BMW Open, Zverev showcased his powerful serve, breaking Shelton early in both sets. He clinched the match with a precise backhand volley at the net after a brief rally, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. "I definitely knew I had to play my best tennis today, Ben has been playing extremely well this week," Zverev said post-match. "The conditions suit him extremely well; it’s very hot and very fast. They suit me as well, to be fair. I enjoyed my birthday so far," he added.
For Shelton, this marked his fourth career final and second on clay, having previously won in Houston last year. Despite his impressive form leading up to the final, the 22-year-old struggled to find his rhythm against Zverev’s relentless serve and precision. "Congratulations to Ben. Incredible week. Incredible tennis. Incredible tournament. You guys have improved so much. Especially on this surface," Zverev praised Shelton during the on-court interview. "You’re becoming one of the most dangerous players on every surface, and it’s great to see."
Zverev’s victory is particularly significant as he aims to reclaim the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings. He had dropped to third following Carlos Alcaraz's victory at the Monte Carlo Masters the previous week. To maintain his position, Alcaraz needed to win the Barcelona Open final later on Sunday against Holger Rune. Zverev's triumph in Munich not only boosts his confidence but also sets the stage for a strong performance as he prepares for the upcoming French Open.
This win serves as a much-needed response to critics who noted his inconsistent performance since reaching the Australian Open final in January. Zverev’s ability to dominate on home soil has always been a hallmark of his career, and this latest title adds to his growing list of achievements that include past victories in Hamburg and Vienna.
The atmosphere in Munich was electric, with a supportive home crowd rallying behind their favorite player. Zverev expressed his gratitude, stating, "I feel really blessed to play in front of you all on Easter Sunday, it’s really special for me." His ability to perform under pressure, especially in front of a home audience, underscores his status as a fan favorite.
As Zverev looks ahead, he has his sights set on breaking through in Grand Slam events, having finished as a runner-up in three major finals without a title. With the French Open approaching, this victory could serve as a pivotal moment in his career, reigniting hopes of finally lifting a Grand Slam trophy.
Meanwhile, Shelton's journey continues to impress. His performance in Munich, despite the loss, indicates a bright future ahead. The American has shown significant improvement on clay, a surface that once posed challenges for him. His recent performances suggest he could be a formidable contender as the clay season progresses.
In conclusion, Alexander Zverev's victory at the Munich Open not only highlights his return to form but also sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season. As he celebrates both his birthday and his latest title, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how he builds on this success in the quest for his first Grand Slam title.
