"Waited so long": Jan-Lennard Struff becomes third oldest first time ATP title winner in Munich

Sunday, 21 April 2024 at 21:00

Jan-Lennard Struff crowned a dream week at the BMW Munich Open after defeating Taylor Fritz in the final and securing his first professional title. The German clay specialist outplayed the American No. 1, defeating him 7-5, 6-3, and becoming the first German to claim the title in Munich since Alexander Zverev back in 2018.

The 33-year-old tennis player is experiencing a second youth in his career. Just a year ago, he wasn't even within the top 100, but the clay swing gave him a boost to return to higher positions and regularly compete in ATP tournaments, leaving challenger events behind. He also reached two finals, including the Madrid Open Masters 1000, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz.

Struff and his first professional title

It has been a long journey for the German, who had three finals in his career, one in the 2021 BMW Munich Open and two more in 2023, but all ended in defeats. This time, Struff's golden week had rewards with great victories in each round, all in straight sets.

Read also

Struff is the first local champion in Munich since Alexander Zverev in 2018

The German began his journey against 2-times finalist Botc van de Zandschulp with a 7-6(0), 6-4 victory. He then challenged the 5th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, defeating him 7-5, 6-4. In the semifinals, he played an incredible match to defeat 2-times defending champion Holger Rune 6-2, 6-0 in just 45 minutes. The final again was in straight sets against a Fritz playing his first final on clay.

Struff didn't hide his emotion at the award ceremony after securing his first professional title: “Unbelievable,” he said. “To do it on home soil is just incredible. I’ve waited so long. I’m 33 years old, playing so long on tour. It’s just an amazing feeling to do it here.”

The German now reaches world No. 24 and his next challenge is the Madrid Open, where he will have a titanic mission to defend the points earned from last

Read also

Tennis TV

@TennisTV

·Follow

The moment Jan-Lennard Struff captured his FIRST ATP title! 🏆 @Struffitennis #BMWOpen

Watch on X

1:24 PM · Apr 21, 2024

919

Read 8 replies

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

"Red heads stick together": Boris Becker lauds Jannik Sinner on recent form

"The athletes should not come last": Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova back Olympic Games medalists receiving prize money