Zverev Wins ATP 500 Debut in Munich, Takes Home BMW iX M70 and 361 Coaching Hours from FUTURE ACES
The BMW Open by Bitpanda, making its debut as an ATP 500 tournament, delivered the dream singles final on Easter Sunday that crowned an exciting tournament week. For the first time since 2010, the top-two seeded players faced off in Munich. In front of more than 6,000 spectators on Center Court, a dominantly playing Alexander Zverev prevailed against Ben Shelton after 71 minutes.
For Germany’s number one, it was his 24th victory on the ATP Tour and his third in Munich, following wins in 2017 and 2018. Zverev now shares the record for most BMW Open titles with fellow countryman Philipp Kohlschreiber (2007, 2012, 2016).
After a challenging spring season, the Olympic champion found his way back to success and was gifted the Winner’s Car, the all-electric BMW iX M70 (WLTP combined (EnVKV): energy consumption 23.5 kWh/100km; CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class A), on his 28th birthday.
“Congratulations to Alexander Zverev, who deservedly won the title at the BMW Open by Bitpanda, as well as the all-electric BMW iX M70,” said Christian Ach, Head of BMW Germany. “This tournament week has shown through great tennis and atmosphere that we deserve the 500 category.
We are particularly pleased to start the FUTURE ACES programme here at MTTC Iphitos with our partners by Pentecost. A total of 361 coaching hours for disadvantaged children and youth were earned through the aces hit during the tournament.“
Each ace during the tournament results in a donated coaching hour for children and youths facing challenging circumstances. They are given the opportunity to learn tennis, develop personally in a safe and supportive environment, make connections, and gain valuable experiences. Participants are offered diverse opportunities to discover their potential and build skills, empowering them to start a self-determined life.
Top-seeded Zverev started into the final highly focused, breaking Shelton’s serve right at the beginning. He continued to control the match, winning the first set 6-2 after another break. The second set started like the first, with the American losing his serve.
In front of his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman, a US national soccer player and 2024 Olympic champion, Shelton failed to earn even a single break point. Zverev, on the other hand, continued to play almost flawlessly and was celebrated by the enthusiastic spectators at his 12th BMW Open appearance for his third title, including a birthday serenade.
“Without you, I wouldn’t be here today with the trophy; you brought me back on Friday. It was a beautiful atmosphere and a great tournament week. Thank you,“ Zverev said to the audience, referring to the quarterfinal against Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, who had served for the match in the second set but was ultimately defeated by Zverev. “It was wonderful to experience the premiere as an ATP-500 event, and I think it’s great that the tournament officials are not standing still but always want to make everything even better. I will come back next year and am already looking forward to it.”
The BMW iX M70 in “Frozen Deep Grey“ was driven onto Center Court by former tennis pro and 2020 US Open winner Dominic Thiem (AUT). LAST NAME can now look forward to experiencing up to 25 percent increased drive performance, significantly improved efficiency, and a maximum range of 701 kilometres in the WLTP cycle in the new BMW iX M70. Like the winner’s vehicle, the BMW courtesy car fleet during the tournament was also locally emission-free. It consisted of all-electric BMW i7, BMW i5, BMW iX, and BMW iX1 vehicles.
A second German victory was prevented on the final Sunday by Swedish André Göransson and Sem Verbeek from the Netherlands with their triumph in the doubles competition. Göransson/Verbeek defeated the top-seeded German duo Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz 6-4; 6-4. At the Allianz Para Trophy, held as part of the BMW Open and featuring a world-class field, Alfie Hewett (GBR) celebrated a double victory. In the singles final, the world number one defeated Argentine Gustavo Fernandez 7-6; 6-3. With his partner Gordon Reid (GBR), he also secured the doubles title with a three-set victory (6-0; 5-7; 10-4) against Joachim Gerard (BEL) and Maikel Scheffers (NED).