Alexander Zverev couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark his 28th birthday. The German star claimed his first title of the season at the ATP 500 in Munich, defeating American Ben Shelton in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to lift the trophy on home soil. The match lasted just over an hour, confirming Zverev’s dominance throughout the week.
This victory marks Zverev’s third career triumph in Munich—after wins in 2017 and 2018—and his 24th ATP title overall, with nine of those coming on clay. The result is particularly significant as it ends a rough patch for the Hamburg native, who had struggled for consistency after losing to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final and suffering early exits at Monte Carlo, Miami, and Indian Wells.
The Munich win also allowed Zverev to reclaim the world No. 2 ranking, helped by Carlos Alcaraz’s unexpected loss in the final of the Barcelona Open. The Spaniard, who had previously won the tournament twice and was on a 14-match winning streak there, was beaten by Denmark’s Holger Rune in straight sets (7-6, 6-2). Alcaraz also appeared hampered by a right leg issue, calling for a medical timeout during the second set.
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06 Mar - 19:38 •
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With this win, Zverev strengthens his position ahead of the clay season’s key events and sets his sights firmly on Roland Garros, eager to make his mark on the Grand Slam stage once again.
