MUNICHEN – Top-seeded Alexander Zverev celebrated his birthday by beating second-seeded Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4, winning the third Munich title on Sunday.
This was the first title for a large German player, and was 24th overall on the ATP Tour. He previously won the Clay Court Tournaments in 2017 and ’18.
“I definitely knew I had to play the best tennis today,” said Zverev, 28. “…I’ve been enjoying my birthday so far.”
The 22-year-old Shelton was playing for Clay for his fourth career final and second place after winning Houston last year.
In sunny conditions at the BMW Open, Zverev played in the match and set up match points with a net-sliced backhand that Shelton was unable to return.
He scored the victory with a sharp backhand volley on the net following a short rally. It was the dominant performance of the 27-year-old Serb, who did not face a breakpoint.
He has a shot to return to second place in the ATP rankings.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated him in last year’s French Open Final, had to win the Barcelona Open Final to stay in second place for Janik Sinner, facing Holgar Rune late on Sunday.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the report.