In a thrilling display of resilience, World No. 3 Alexander Zverev battled back from the brink of defeat to secure a dramatic 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over Tallon Griekspoor at the BMW Open in Munich on April 18, 2025. The top-seeded German, playing on home soil, overcame a 3-5 deficit in the second set and saved crucial break points in the third to advance to the semifinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event. The three-hour, 15-minute marathon marked Zverev’s first run of three consecutive wins since January, a milestone that visibly meant the world to the two-time Munich champion.
The match was a rollercoaster from the start. Griekspoor, a Dutchman fresh off a final in Marrakech and a victory over Zverev at Indian Wells earlier this year, seized the first set in a tightly contested tiebreak, 7-6(6). His aggressive baseline play and ability to capitalize on big moments put Zverev on the ropes. “Munich is always special,” Zverev had said earlier in the tournament, reflecting on the unique energy of the home crowd. But as Griekspoor surged ahead, the pressure mounted on the Hamburg native, who faced a 3-5 deficit in the second set and stared down the prospect of an early exit.
Zverev, however, refused to buckle. Channeling the fighting spirit that carried him to the 2024 French Open final and Olympic gold in 2021, he clawed his way back, breaking Griekspoor to stay alive and forcing a second-set tiebreak. With the crowd roaring, Zverev elevated his game, winning 7-6(4) to level the match. The third set was a test of nerves, as Griekspoor pushed Zverev to 0-40 down while trailing 1-2. Yet, Zverev held firm, saving three break points in a pivotal game that shifted the momentum. “I’m happy to be through to the semifinals, first time in a few years,” Zverev remarked post-match, echoing his relief after a similar quarterfinal win in Munich the previous year. His 79% first-serve point win rate and 14 net points underscored his ability to seize control when it mattered most.
The victory was a testament to Zverev’s mental fortitude. After a rocky start to his clay season, including an early loss to Matteo Berrettini at Monte-Carlo, the 27-year-old has rediscovered his form in Munich. His opener against Alexandre Muller (6-4, 6-1) and a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Daniel Altmaier set the stage for this epic comeback. Zverev’s 27 winners against Griekspoor, despite 22 unforced errors, highlighted his aggressive style, which he described as aiming “to hit powerful groundstrokes either for winners or to wear down his opponent.” This approach, combined with his experience as a former World No. 2, proved decisive in outlasting Griekspoor, who faltered in critical moments.
Zverev’s path to a record-equaling third Munich title—matching Philipp Kohlschreiber’s tally—remains challenging. In the semifinals, he faces a potential clash with either Cristian Garin or Jakub Mensik, both capable of causing upsets on clay. The tournament, upgraded to an ATP 500 event, has drawn a strong field, with second seed Ben Shelton also advancing to the quarterfinals. Zverev’s Munich campaign is crucial not only for his confidence but also for defending points from last year’s Italian Open title and Roland Garros final, where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets.
For Zverev, a Munich native who grew up idolizing Roger Federer, playing at the BMW Open carries deep personal significance. “We had some good tennis, we had some bad tennis, so everything was there,” he said of his earlier Munich matches, a sentiment that perfectly captured the drama of his latest triumph. As he eyes another title on home soil, Zverev’s comeback against Griekspoor could prove a turning point in his 2025 season, signaling his readiness to reclaim his place among tennis’s elite.
Leave a Reply