Zverev won in Munich and the birthday boy scored a hat-trick
On Sunday, at the BMW Open in Munich, Zverev celebrated his 28th birthday in a special way – he managed to win his third Munich title, equalling the tournament record.
The homegrown darling played solidly, beating No.2 seed Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 to lift the team24th Tour Championship Trophy。 Zverev was excellent on serve throughout the tournament and he didn't even face a break point.
"It's so special, I've always loved winning in Germany," Zverev said, and it was his first title of the season.
"It's probably the most special thing I can do. Without a doubt, it was a great birthday present, so to speak. ”
Zverev won two consecutive years in Munich in 2017-2018, and this victory equalled compatriot Philipp Kolschreiber's record of three titles. The 28-year-old also secured the tournament's inaugural season as an ATP 500 tournament with a German title, Zverev's sixth title on home soil.
**This tournament will be upgraded to the ATP 500 level for the first time in the 2025 season.
Since reaching his third Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, Zverev has a 6-6 record on the ATP Tour before coming to Munich, including first-round defeats at Indian Wells and Monte Carlo, where he was still the top seed. However, the German has been in form and confident during the week in Munich.
Shelton looked a little nervous on serve in the first set, as evidenced by two ill-timed double faults, which came when he was facing a break point in the first and seventh games. In contrast, Zverev is confident in his first serve, conceding just 3 points out of 19 points on his first serve, according to Infosys ATP statistics.
With the support of an enthusiastic crowd in Munich, including Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller, Zverev continued to control the baseline with ease in the second set. He broke first in the opening game and led the way thereafter, eventually winning his ninth ATP Tour title on clay.
"I knew I had to play my best today and it was a great week," Zverev added. "The conditions here are perfect for him [Shelton], it's hot and the ball is fast. Truth be told, these conditions suit me too. I'm enjoying the birthday so far. ”
In the final against Sheldon, Zverev won in straight sets to win his sixth ATP 500 title. After Alcaraz was beaten by Rune in the final in Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, Zverev will also regain the world No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings.
Zverev's ATP 500 championship record:
Shelton, who reached his fourth ATP Tour final, moved up to No. 13 in the ATP Live Rankings, just one spot below his career-high ranking. The 22-year-old became the first American to reach the final of an ATP 500 clay event above the ATP 500 level since Andre Agassi won the Masters in Rome in 2002, but he couldn't stop Zverev, who was strong in Sunday's 71-minute showdown.
'I'm really lucky to be playing in front of everyone on Easter Sunday and it's very special for me. Sheldon said at the award ceremony.
"Happy birthday, Sasha (Zverev's nickname), I didn't know before (today is your birthday). If I knew, I would say it was a birthday present...... Today I tried my best to catch your serve, but it still didn't work. ”
Zverev's strength is obvious to all. He has never lacked technique, but there have been times when he lacks the fighting spirit of an athlete. His friend Tim was present at the ceremony and drove in person. Why not follow Murray Deyo's example and become Zverev's coach? [Laughs] [Laughs]
[Come and see me] [Zuoyi] [Rose] [Flicking fists]
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