Smy Tennis News|Zverev Celebrates Birthday with Munich Title and Return to Form

Alexander Zverev ended a difficult run with a straight-sets victory over Ben Shelton to claim the Munich Open title on his 28th birthday, earning nearly €470,000 and an electric car.

Tennis: German Birthday Boy Zverev Triumphs in Munich
World No.2 claims first title since November with victory over Ben Shelton

MUNICH, Germany – Alexander Zverev celebrated his 28th birthday in unforgettable fashion on Sunday, capturing the Munich Open title with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win over American Ben Shelton in the final.

The victory marked the German star’s first ATP title since November and came with significant rewards: €467,485 in prize money, a new electric car from tournament sponsor BMW, and a return to No.2 in the world rankings after Carlos Alcaraz fell in the Barcelona final later that day.

“This was one of the best weeks you can have as a tennis player,” said Zverev, who received the trophy from Bavarian Premier Markus Söder before the pair snapped a celebratory selfie on court. “I don’t think we need to talk about the last few weeks anymore. I’m just so happy with the title and the level I managed to play at. Now I’m going to enjoy my birthday and the fact I’ve won a tournament.”

Zverev, who had failed to progress past the quarterfinals in his last six ATP events, dominated from the outset against Shelton, delighting the home crowd with sharp baseline play and confident finishing. The win provides a welcome boost ahead of the French Open, which begins next month in Paris.

After his victory, the Hamburg native embraced local traditions by donning Bavarian lederhosen and taking a victory lap in his newly won electric BMW. He was then serenaded with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” by a 6,000-strong crowd, which included Bayern Munich football star Thomas Müller.

“You can all be happy that I didn’t have to sing,” Zverev joked.

Zverev's resurgence comes at a crucial point in the season, as he looks to build momentum heading into Roland-Garros, where he has reached the semifinals in each of the last three years.