In a thrilling start to the ATP 500 tournament in Munich, Alexander Zverev, the world number three and top seed, delivered a commanding performance on Monday, April 14, 2025, as he cruised past the French player Alexandre Muller with a score of 6-4, 6-1. The match lasted just 1 hour and 22 minutes, showcasing Zverev's dominant serve and tactical prowess.
Zverev, a two-time champion at this event, capitalized on his home advantage, demonstrating why he is the favorite to win the title once again. The German star won 67% of his service points, compared to Muller’s 47%, and despite being broken once, he converted five out of eleven break points throughout the match.
“Especially after the defeat in Monte Carlo and some defeats in general over the last few months, it was important to step on the court and have a performance like this,” Zverev expressed after the match. His victory not only marked a strong comeback after his early exit at the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo but also reinforced his determination to reclaim his best form as he aims for his third title in Munich.
Next up for Zverev is a clash against compatriot Daniel Altmaier, who recently triumphed over Chun-Hsin Tseng in a closely contested match that ended with both sets going to tiebreaks, 7-6(7-5), 7-6(7-5). This matchup will be pivotal as Zverev seeks to equal Philipp Kohlschreiber's record of three titles at this tournament.
Meanwhile, American Ben Shelton also started his campaign in Munich successfully, albeit with a much tougher battle. Shelton faced Borna Gojo, needing to save three match points before finally securing a comeback victory with scores of 4-6, 7-6(8-6), 7-6(7-3) after 2 hours and 25 minutes of intense play. Following the match, Shelton reflected on his challenging experience, stating, “It was ridiculously difficult. The way he served and played, even when he got frustrated, was just hitting winner after winner. I was lucky at some key moments and managed to stay calm during the match points.”
Shelton’s next opponent will be either Roberto Bautista or Botic van de Zandschulp, and he will be looking to build on this momentum as he progresses through the tournament.
In other matches, the ATP 500 in Munich also featured the Brazilian duo of Rafael Matos and Marcelo Melo, who are making headlines after their recent victory at the Rio Open 2025. The pair, who formed their partnership in May 2024, will debut in Munich on Tuesday, April 15, against the German duo of Mark Wallner and Jakob Schnaitter. Matos, at 29 years old, is already making waves in the tennis community, having previously won a Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2023 alongside Luisa Stefani, marking a historic achievement for Brazilian tennis.
Melo, the more experienced of the two at 41, has an impressive record, including over 35 professional titles and two Grand Slam victories. The duo aims to add to their trophy cabinet after winning the Rio Open, where they defeated Spaniards Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in the final with scores of 6-2, 7-5.
As the tournament unfolds, Zverev and Shelton will be the players to watch, both aiming to solidify their positions in the ATP rankings and make a significant impact in Munich. Zverev, particularly, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing season start, while Shelton is keen to prove his mettle against seasoned opponents.
In the broader context of the ATP tour, the competition is heating up as players gear up for the upcoming Masters 1000 events, with many looking to improve their rankings and secure vital points. Notably, Zverev's recent performance could signal a turning point in his season, while Shelton's resilience showcases the emerging talent in the sport.
As the ATP 500 in Munich continues, fans can expect more thrilling matches and potential upsets as players vie for the coveted title. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes are high as the tournament progresses into its later rounds.
