Germany’s Alexander Zverev marked his 27th birthday in style by capturing the BMW Open title in Munich for the third time in his career. The top seed defeated American Ben Shelton in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, in a powerful display of dominance on the clay court. The win not only earned Zverev the title but also marked a turning point in his season, elevating him to No. 2 in the ATP world rankings following Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Barcelona Open.
The Sunday showdown saw Zverev at his commanding best. With clear blue skies overhead and the crowd cheering in celebration of both his birthday and performance, the German showcased why he has long been considered one of the premier players on tour. The final lasted just under 90 minutes, with Zverev never facing a break point and using his booming serve and net play to keep the pressure firmly on Shelton.
The title in Munich was particularly significant for Zverev, not only because it came on his birthday but because it marked his first ATP title of 2025 and the 24th of his career. The victory also marked his return to top form after a string of underwhelming performances in the early part of the year, where he failed to advance past the quarterfinal stage in six consecutive tournaments.
“I knew I had to bring my best level today,” Zverev said during the post-match ceremony. “It’s been a while since I’ve played tennis that I’m truly happy with, and to do it here, at home, on my birthday — I couldn’t ask for more. It’s been an incredible week.”
Zverev previously won the Munich tournament in 2017 and 2018, but this year’s triumph felt particularly sweet. A native of Hamburg, he relished the support of the home crowd, many of whom had gathered in anticipation of seeing their local hero add another chapter to his legacy. After lifting the trophy, he grinned as he received congratulations and birthday wishes from fans, family, and tournament officials, including Bavarian Premier Markus Söder.
“This was one of those weeks where everything seemed to click,” Zverev continued. “My movement felt good, my shots had depth, and I think I served as well as I ever have. The crowd was amazing throughout — it was emotional and very special.”
Facing Zverev was 22-year-old Ben Shelton, the tournament’s second seed and one of the rising stars of men’s tennis. The young American was playing in the fourth final of his career and his second on clay, after previously capturing the title in Houston in 2024. Though he entered the final with momentum and confidence, he couldn’t match Zverev’s consistency and power on the day.
Shelton’s serve, typically a weapon in his arsenal, was neutralized by Zverev’s superb returning. The German broke early in the first set, asserting control from the outset. As the match progressed, Shelton struggled to find a rhythm, particularly on his second serve, where Zverev consistently capitalized. The American fought valiantly in the second set, but a few critical points didn’t go his way.
Despite the loss, Shelton had a positive outlook after the match, acknowledging Zverev’s superior play and noting his own progress in adapting to clay. “I’ve had a great week here in Munich,” he said. “Alex played an unbelievable match — he deserved the win. For me, every match on clay is a learning opportunity, and I’m taking a lot of positives from this experience.”
Shelton, known for his explosive athleticism and aggressive baseline game, has been steadily rising up the ranks. His success this week solidified his status as a serious contender on tour, particularly as the clay season builds toward Roland Garros.
From the first game, Zverev looked locked in. He dictated the pace with his serve and controlled baseline rallies with precision and patience. His strategy was clear: extend the rallies, force errors from Shelton, and take control of points with well-timed approaches to the net.
In the first set, Zverev broke Shelton’s serve early to go up 2-1, and from there, he never looked back. His confidence grew with each game, as he raced through the set in just over 30 minutes. In the second set, Shelton showed more resistance, holding his serve and trying to apply pressure on Zverev’s delivery. But the German was too solid. He earned the crucial break in the seventh game and then served out the match without drama.
The final point was emblematic of Zverev’s sharp net play throughout the week. After a brief rally, he finished with a crisp backhand volley that drew cheers from the packed stands. It was a clean, comprehensive performance that reminded fans and critics alike why Zverev has consistently remained among the game’s elite.
Remarkably, Zverev didn’t face a single break point during the match — a testament to his precise serving and control of play. His first serve percentage hovered near 75%, and he won an impressive 85% of those points. He also came forward frequently, winning the vast majority of his net points.
Beyond the title, the win in Munich carried another major reward: a rise in the ATP rankings. With Carlos Alcaraz falling to Holger Rune in the final of the Barcelona Open on the same day, Zverev leapfrogged the Spaniard to move up to No. 2 in the world. It marks his highest ranking since 2022 and is a significant milestone in his comeback journey following injury setbacks in previous seasons.
Zverev’s victory was made even more memorable by the celebratory atmosphere at the BMW Open. Along with the trophy and €467,485 ($531,644) in prize money, he also received an electric BMW car, a tradition at the Munich tournament. Surrounded by local dignitaries, including Premier Söder, Zverev was all smiles as he posed with the car and trophy, soaking in the applause from a delighted home crowd.
“The support this week has been amazing,” Zverev said. “It really makes a difference when you have people cheering you on, especially here in Germany. I feel very lucky to have celebrated my birthday like this. It’s one I won’t forget.”
Asked about his recent struggles and the importance of this title, Zverev didn’t shy away from acknowledging the difficult stretch he’s endured. “There’s been a lot of talk about my results this year, and rightly so — I hadn’t performed the way I wanted,” he admitted. “But this win proves I’m still capable of playing at a very high level. The season is long, and I hope this is just the beginning.”
The win in Munich could be just the spark Zverev needs as the ATP tour heads into the heart of the clay-court season. With Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome coming up, and the French Open looming in late May, momentum is key. Zverev has long considered clay one of his best surfaces — he’s made deep runs at Roland Garros before, including a semifinal appearance in 2022, which was cut short due to injury.
Now healthy and full of confidence, Zverev will turn his attention to building on this success. His strong serving, movement, and comfort on clay could make him a legitimate title contender in Paris — particularly if he continues to play with the freedom and intensity he showed in Munich.
“I’m going to enjoy this for a couple of days,” he said. “But then it’s back to work. The big tournaments are coming, and I want to be ready. I believe I can win on the biggest stages.”
As for Shelton, his progression on clay will be closely watched. While hard courts have traditionally been his strength, his willingness to adapt and improve on slower surfaces speaks to his determination to become a more complete player. If he continues on this trajectory, he could be a dark horse threat in the upcoming clay events.
A Milestone Moment in a Storied Career
For Zverev, this Munich victory serves not only as a birthday celebration but also as a testament to his resilience and ambition. With 24 ATP titles now under his belt, he stands among the most accomplished players of his generation. And while a Grand Slam title remains elusive, performances like this indicate that Zverev is still very much in the mix.
Whether this week turns out to be the start of a breakthrough season or simply a high point in an up-and-down year remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Alexander Zverev reminded the tennis world that he is not just back — he’s better, hungrier, and more focused than ever.
“This title means a lot,” he concluded. “I’ve had some incredible memories here in Munich, and now I have another one. To win at home, on my birthday, in front of these amazing fans — it doesn’t get better than that.”
