The clay courts of Munich came alive with anticipation as Alexander Zverev, Germany’s tennis titan, launched his 2025 BMW Open campaign with a statement-making performance. The world No. 3, a two-time champion at this storied event, powered past Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-4, 6-1 in the first round on Monday, April 14, signaling his intent to reclaim the title he last won in 2018. With the Bavarian crowd roaring behind him, Zverev’s blend of precision and power offered a glimpse of the form that could carry him to a record-equaling third Munich crown, matching the legendary Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Zverev’s journey to Munich followed a rocky start to his clay season. A second-round loss to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, where he squandered a set lead, dropped him from No. 2 to No. 3 in the rankings and dented his confidence. “I’m still very confident that I will play well now and hopefully in the next few weeks,” Zverev said, his focus unwavering as he arrived at the newly upgraded ATP 500 event. The Munich draw is no walk in the park, with rising stars like Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik and defending champion Jan-Lennard Struff lurking, but Zverev’s opener against Muller showcased why he remains a hometown favorite.
From the first ball, Zverev seized control, breaking Muller in the opening game to set the tone. The Frenchman, fresh off a Hong Kong title and a Rio Open final earlier this year, fought back, leveling the score at 3-3 with a break of his own. But Zverev’s resolve held firm. His baseline game, anchored by a world-class backhand, wore Muller down, and he clinched the first set 6-4 after 47 minutes of intense exchanges. The second set was a masterclass in dominance—Zverev dropped just one game, firing six aces and converting three of four break points. “You win one or two matches like this, there is no more questions,” he’d said after Monte Carlo, and this performance answered plenty, silencing doubters with every blistering forehand.
The victory was more than a routine first-round win; it was a homecoming. Munich holds a special place in Zverev’s heart, where he claimed titles in 2017 and 2018 as a rising star. “München werde ein aufregendes neues Kapitel,” he remarked before the tournament, eager to reconnect with German fans. The MTTC Iphitos, with its intimate clay courts, buzzed with energy as locals cheered their star, who’s chasing not just a trophy but a rankings boost. With Jannik Sinner sidelined until May, Zverev has a window to close the gap on No. 1, though Carlos Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo title keeps the pressure on.
Zverev’s path forward is fraught with challenges. His next match pits him against either compatriot Daniel Altmaier or a qualifier, with a potential quarterfinal against Mensik, who faces Yannick Hanfmann in his opener. The top half of the draw also features a blockbuster first-round clash between Denis Shapovalov and Gael Monfils, ensuring no shortage of drama. In the bottom half, second seed Ben Shelton and third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime loom as threats, while Struff begins his title defense against Francisco Cerundolo. The tournament’s €2.5 million prize pool and 500 ranking points add extra stakes, especially for Zverev, whose 14-7 season record includes an Australian Open final but no titles since 2024’s Italian Open.
Off the court, Zverev’s candor about his recent struggles has endeared him to fans. His 2025 season, marked by six deciding-set losses, has tested his mental fortitude. “I have to look at myself more than anything else,” he admitted after a Miami defeat, a reflection that seems to be paying dividends in Munich. With the French Open a month away, this week is a chance to build momentum on clay, where he’s historically excelled, boasting titles in Madrid and Rome.
As the Bavarian sun sets on day one, Zverev’s emphatic start has set the tone for a tournament brimming with possibility. Will he harness the home support to claim a third title, or will Munich’s stacked field derail his quest? For now, the German star is back in his element, one win closer to etching his name deeper into the BMW Open’s legacy.