Alexander Zverev rolls into Munich quarterfinals with dominant win over Diallo

MUNICH, Germany — The sun finally broke through in Munich, providing ideal conditions for the final second-round matches on Thursday at the BMW Open by Bitpanda. The improved weather also suited top seed Alexander Zverev, who delivered a composed straight-sets victory over Canada’s Gabriel Diallo to book his place in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event.

Zverev, who played on a packed Center Court in front of several Bayern Munich players as well as his entire family, dominated the encounter from the outset. The 28-year-old German won 83 per cent of his first-service points, saved the only break point he faced and capitalized on five of his eight break-point chances to advance in one hour and 13 minutes.

“It was much more straightforward than in the first match,” said Zverev. “I think he had some issues with his back and wasn’t serving fully in the second set anymore. Very unfortunate, but of course I am happy with the win and getting an easier match today.”

The three-time BMW Open by Bitpanda champion was not only pleased with his own performance, but also with his favorite football club Bayern Munich, who beat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.

“It was an amazing win yesterday; I was there watching. I took the kids down to the locker room afterwards and they were so nice to them. It was a great experience,” Zverev said.

Up next for Zverev will be fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo. The 27-year-old Argentine cruised past two-time Munich finalist Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands 6-3, 6-0 in just 64 minutes.

“I wasn’t in a hurry, but it’s always nice to win fast to save energy for tomorrow when I have to play again,” Cerundolo said with a smile after his tenth win on clay this season. “I played well from the baseline. I probably didn’t serve well in the first set, but it got better in the second. I am trying to improve every day.”

The world No. 19 has now reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Munich and feels comfortable in the conditions.

“I like the conditions here,” he said. “The clay is similar to the one in Argentina. It feels like home. There is a bit of altitude, but I am comfortable on this surface. My tennis is good and I hope I can keep going.”

Zverev leads their head-to-head record 4-3, having won the last four encounters — all on hard courts.

“I have never beaten him on clay, which is his favorite surface, but I am definitely looking forward to the challenge,” Zverev said ahead of his eighth quarterfinal appearance in Munich. “I am very happy to be at this stage, facing a tough opponent. That’s what it’s going to be tomorrow.”

Molcan masters Altmaier, Shapovalov awaits

In the bottom half of the draw, qualifier Alex Molcan continued his impressive run at the BMW Open by Bitpanda with his fourth consecutive win this week. The 28-year-old Slovak edged home favorite Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 7-6 (10).

Molcan withstood six aces and broke Altmaier’s serve once to prevail in one hour and 43 minutes.

“It means everything. I cannot be happier or prouder of myself that I have reached the quarterfinals here,” Molcan said.

The world No. 166, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 38 in May 2022, endured a difficult period marked by wrist and knee injuries that both required surgery two years ago. Since then, the left-hander has mainly competed on the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF World Tennis Tour, winning five titles across those circuits last season.

“It’s been a long time since I played at this level. I don’t want to say that I am back, but it’s great to feel the emotions and the crowd again. Competing against the best players and even winning matches motivates me a lot,” Molcan said.

“We both served well and I only broke him once in the first set. It was not easy to return. I had to fight mentally in the tie-break because it was so close. I saved two set points and, in the end, I am just happy.”

Molcan will next face Denis Shapovalov of Canada, who beat Fabian Marozsan from Hungary 7-6(4), 6-2 in one hour and 25 minutes to reach his first quarterfinal on clay since the 2022 Rome Masters.

The Allianz Para Trophy kicks off

Meanwhile, the Allianz Para Trophy has also kicked off in Munich - now upgraded to a 500-level tournament - featuring competition in both the Open and Quad divisions.

“We are very proud to be a partner and to promote not only the sport, but also equality and to provide the athletes with a bigger stage,” said Manuel Duhnke, Head of Sponsoring at Allianz Germany.

The initiative is clearly resonating. Wheelchair tennis continues to grow rapidly worldwide, yet Munich stands out on the international stage. “Compared to other tournaments, everything here is very professional - just like at the ATP event,” said world No. 1 in the Quad Division, Niels Vink. The Dutchman, who lost both legs and several bones in his hands due to illness, has already achieved a remarkable career Golden Slam at a young age, winning all four majors and Paralympic gold.

There were also positive words from Gustavo Fernández, world No. 4 in the Open Division: “Of course we are here to win the tournament, but above all we want to put on a great show for the fans.”