PREVIEW | Munich Open 2025 Final as Ben Shelton aims to make history against home hero Alexander Zverev

The Munich Open 2025 marks its debut as part of the prestigious ATP 500 circuit with a blockbuster final featuring two of the tour’s most explosive servers. World No. 3 and two-time champion Alexander Zverev will face off against rising American star Ben Shelton, whose fearless clay-court campaign has stunned fans and opponents alike.

And what better way for Zverev to celebrate his 28th birthday this Sunday, April 20, than by competing for the title in front of a home crowd? The German stands one win away from a fairytale finish on home soil—if he can overcome the fiery challenge posed by Shelton in what promises to be a thrilling finale.

The 2025 edition of the Munich Open has ushered in a new era. Upgraded to ATP 500 status, the tournament has drawn a higher caliber of players and elevated its prestige on the calendar. Significant renovations at the MTTC Iphitos complex have also enhanced the fan experience, with improved facilities and a revamped center court.

“It’s unbelievable, the whole week has been unbelievable,” Zverev said when asked about the tournament’s evolution. “The crowd has been having a great time, enjoying the new center court and the new tournament. I'm enjoying it too, and I hope to have another great day tomorrow,” the Australian Open finalist added after sealing his semifinal win.

Top seed Alexander Zverev has lived up to his billing in Munich, delivering a commanding performance en route to his third final at this event.

He opened his campaign with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 win over France’s Alexandre Muller, who had recently pushed Daniil Medvedev to the brink in Monte Carlo. Zverev followed that with another straight-sets win over compatriot Daniel Altmaier, 6-3, 6-2.

In the quarterfinals, Zverev faced a familiar foe in Tallon Griekspoor, who had upset the German earlier this season at Indian Wells. The two battled for over three hours in a pulsating contest, with Zverev saving a match point before emerging victorious 6-7(6), 7-6(3), 6-4.

The semifinal against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan proved a more straightforward affair. Zverev controlled proceedings from the baseline, tallying just 13 unforced errors compared to Marozsan’s 28, and sealed a 7-6(3), 6-3 win to book his place in Sunday’s showpiece.

“I think I played a good match today,” Zverev reflected. “I lost my concentration once in the first set on serve, but overall, I think it was a solid performance.”

Ben Shelton has been the revelation of the tournament, breaking new ground not just for himself but for American tennis. The 21-year-old becomes the first U.S. player to reach a clay-court final on the ATP Tour since Andre Agassi in 2002.

Known more for his prowess on faster surfaces, Shelton has defied expectations in Munich. His run began with a nail-biting 4-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(3) comeback win over Borna Gojo, in which he saved three match points.

In the second round, Shelton overcame Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6(1), 6-3 before dispatching Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the quarterfinals with an impressive 6-4, 6-3 display, firing 29 winners.

The American’s grit was on full display in the semifinals against Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo. After dropping the opening set and trailing in the second-set tiebreak, Shelton mounted another comeback to win 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4.

“It’s a great win for me,” Shelton said. “To beat a player like that on clay gives me a lot of confidence. To be in an ATP 500 final in Europe in just my second tournament on the tour makes me very happy. I think I’m playing well. I’ve felt the energy in Munich, and I’m going to fight for that title.”

The paths of Zverev and Shelton have crossed only once on the circuit. It was in the final of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 in 2024, where the German won 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.

That match was played on hard court, so the duel on clay adds a differential factor to this final.

Alexander Zverev already knows what it is to be a prophet in his homeland as he has had the chance to win in Munich on two consecutive occasions, in 2017 and 2018. After 7 years, Sascha returns to star in the decisive duel in Germany and if he wins on Sunday he would equal the record of Philipp Kohlschreiber, who won the event in three different editions. In addition, it would be his tenth ATP 500 tournament crown, a category in which he is already one of the most successful players.

For Shelton, this tournament represents his first foray into Munich, but he has already shown the ability to shine on clay after winning the Houston title in 2024, his first trophy on this surface. In addition, winning an ATP 500 in Europe would represent his biggest success to date and catapult him into the Top 10.