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

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.

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.

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