MUNICH — Alexander Zverev’s bid for a first title on home soil ended in familiar disappointment Saturday, as the German No. 1 fell in the BMW Open semifinals to compatriot Jan-Lennard Struff, 7-6(4), 6-4. The loss extended Zverev’s troubling pattern at the Munich tournament, where he has now lost in the semifinals for the third consecutive year despite entering as the top seed each time.
Playing on the red clay of the MTTC Iphitos courts, Zverev appeared poised to break through after a strong week that included wins over Laslo Djere and Tallon Griekspoor. But Struff, ranked 43rd in the world and playing with the heightened energy of a home crowd rallying behind him, disrupted Zverev’s rhythm with a mix of heavy topspin forehands and well-timed net approaches.
The first set served as a microcosm of the match: tight service games, few break opportunities, and a tiebreaker that swung on minimal margins. Zverev saved three set points at 5-4 in the breaker but ultimately succumbed on his second serve when a forehand return sailed long. Struff celebrated with a clenched fist, acknowledging the significance of overcoming his compatriot and friend on German soil.
“It means a lot to win here, especially against Sascha,” Struff said in his on-court interview, using Zverev’s nickname. “We’ve practiced together for years. To do it in front of this crowd — my family, my friends — it’s special.”
Zverev, meanwhile, offered a subdued reflection. “I had my chances. He played the big points better. That’s the difference.” The 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist and former world No. 2 has now lost five of his last six semifinal appearances at ATP 500-level events or higher, raising questions about his ability to convert deep runs into titles during crucial stages of the season.
The loss halts Zverev’s momentum heading into the French Open, where he is seeded fourth and seeking to improve upon his semifinal run from a year ago. His clay-court record this spring stands at 8-3, with titles in Munich remaining elusive despite two final appearances in 2021 and 2022.
For Struff, the victory marks his first career win over Zverev in six meetings and propels him into his second ATP final of the season. He will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Yannick Hanfmann in the title match, seeking his first tour-level crown since 2021.
The BMW Open, an ATP 250 event held annually in Munich since 1900, continues to serve as a key tune-up for Roland Garros. This year’s edition drew strong local support, with attendance averaging over 6,000 per session according to tournament officials — a testament to Zverev’s enduring popularity despite the recurring near-misses.
Looking ahead, Zverev is expected to compete in the Madrid Open next week as part of his European clay-court swing. His team has not announced any schedule changes following the Munich result, and he remains listed in the main draw for the Mutua Madrid Open, scheduled to begin April 22.
For now, the focus shifts to reflection. Zverev’s inability to breach the semifinal barrier in Munich adds another chapter to a career defined by immense talent and occasional frustration at the final hurdle. As the clay season progresses, the question remains: can he overcome the mental and tactical blocks that have turned promising runs into repeated near-misses?
Archysport will continue to follow Zverev’s journey toward Roland Garros, with updates on his preparation, performance, and prospects as the second Grand Slam of the year approaches.
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