MUNICH, April 20, 2025
Alexander Zverev is the champion of the 2025 BMW Open by bitpanda. On his 28th birthday, the German gifted himself the best possible present by defeating No. 2 seed Ben Shelton from the United States in Easter Sunday’s final, 6-2, 6-4. A break early in each set put Zverev, who delivered a highly focused performance, on the road to victory from the start.
On a sold-out Center Court at MTTC Iphitos, and under a blue sky in Munich, Zverev put on an absolute clinic. The World No. 3 didn’t face a single break point and was rock solid from the baseline as well as at the net. Zverev sent down four aces and won 89 per cent of his first-service points to seal victory in one hour and 11 minutes.
The moment @AlexZverev won his first #BMWOpen title since 2018 pic.twitter.com/RVBVorX1TH
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 20, 2025
“It’s extremely special. I love playing in Germany. Winning tournaments here is the most special thing I can do. It’s definitely a great birthday present,” Zverev said after claiming his first title of the season.
“I definitely knew I had to play my best tennis today. Ben has been playing extremely well this week. The conditions suit him well. It was hot and fast. It’s perfect for me as well to be fair. I enjoyed my birthday so far.”
A Birthday Full of Presents
After his triumphs in 2017 and 2018 Zverev has become the second player in the Open Era to win three titles in Munich, joining his countryman Philipp Kohlschreiber, who was a champion in 2007, 2012 and 2016. He captured his 24th ATP Tour career trophy, earning €467,485 in prize money and 500 ATP Ranking points. Zverev also received two special prizes: a brand new full-electric BMW ix M70, driven onto the court by Dominic Thiem, as well as a traditional Bavarian Lederhosen, which he wore during the on-court ceremony.
The last time Zverev captured the title in Munich, he went on to lift the trophy at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid. “I hope that continues,” Zverev said with a smile, looking ahead to next week’s event in the Spanish capital.
Shelton finishes runner-up
Shelton was bidding to become the first US-American man to win a clay-court title above ATP 250 level since Andre Agassi was successful in Rome 2002. With his run to a fourth ATP Tour final, Shelton is up to No. 13 in the ATP Live Rankings, just one shy of his career high.
“I feel really blessed to play in front of you all on Easter Sunday — it’s really special for me,” said Shelton during the trophy presentation. “Happy Birthday, Sascha. I didn’t know it was your birthday. If I had, I would have said this was a birthday gift… I was trying as hard as I could to return your serves today, but I couldn’t make it work.”
Goransson/Verbeek triumph in doubles
Earlier, Andre Goransson of Sweden and Dutchman Sem Verbeek captured the doubles title. The unseeded pair defeated top-seeded Germans Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4, 6-4 in the final.
By winning their second career team title following their triumph at the Hall of Fame Open on grass in Newport last year, Goransson and Verbeek, split €153,570 in prize money and earned 500 ATP Ranking points.
“We have been playing for a year now and it’s getting better and better. Thanks to my partner Sem,” Goransson said during the on-court ceremony.
“Happy Easter,” Verbeek greeted the crowd in German. “It’s been a great week and thanks for the tournament organization.”
Successful week in Munich
The organizers and sponsors gave a positive summary of the first upgraded ATP 500 event.
“It was an excellent tournament with a great atmosphere. We received positive feedback from all sides,” said Christian Ach, CEO BMW Germany and added: “A 38-year partnership is something you have to live, you cannot buy it.”
Tournament director Patrik Kühnen was also pleased. “Today’s final between the two top two seeds was the crowning moment of the week. It wasn’t necessarily to be expected, as both had to battle through some tough matches.”
The organizers of the @BMWOpen500 announced that 70,000 spectators have come to the MTTC Iphitos throughout the week.
Every day was sold out. #ATPTour #BMWOpen #Munich pic.twitter.com/NmxPLBv8Fr
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) April 20, 2025
Christian Okon, Managing Director of the organizer MMP Event, stated: “We wanted to make a lot of changes without losing our identity and while remaining approachable. The new layout of the venue was very well received by the spectators. Tickets were sold out every day and we welcomed a total of 70,000 visitors over the course of the week.”
Fabian Tross, Board Member of the host and licensee MTTC Iphitos, added: “We managed to handle a big step for the club very well. The venue was already well attended in the mornings. Not only were we sold out, but the Center Court was also well filled every single day.”
Looking ahead
The 2026 edition of the BMW Open by Bitpanda will return as an ATP 500 event and is scheduled for the week of April 13.
