World No. 3 Alexander Zverev marked his birthday on Sunday by cruising previous American Ben Shelton within the Munich Open ultimate to safe his third title on the event, equaling the all-time document.
It was the big-serving German participant’s first title of the 12 months and twenty fourth total on the ATP tour. He beforehand gained the clay-court event in 2017 and ’18.
The 28-year-old German crowd favourite delivered a composed show to beat second seed Shelton 6-2, 6-4, securing his twenty fourth profession tour title on the tour.
Having lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2018, Zverev has now matched fellow German Philipp Kohlschreiber’s document of three Munich titles.
Shelton, alternatively, was enjoying in his fourth profession ultimate and second on clay after successful in Houston final 12 months.
Backed by sturdy dwelling assist, the highest seed dominated 22-year-old Shelton, breaking early to take management.
He comfortably claimed the primary set 6-2 and opened the second with one other break to maintain up the momentum.
He clinched the win with a pointy backhand volley on the internet following a quick rally. It was a dominant efficiency on serve from Zverev, who didn’t face a break level.
“I definitely knew I had to play my best tennis today, Ben has been playing extremely well this week,” Zverev stated.
“The conditions suit him extremely well, it’s very hot and very fast. They suit me as well, to be fair. I enjoyed my birthday so far,” he added.
Zverev capped off the event’s debut as an ATP 500 occasion by turning into the primary German to raise the upgraded trophy, incomes his sixth profession title on dwelling soil.
He now has a shot at transferring again into second place within the ATP rankings.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz – who beat him in final 12 months’s French Open ultimate – needed to win the Barcelona Open ultimate later Sunday in opposition to Holger Rune to remain at No. 2 behind Jannik Sinner.
Source: www.dailysabah.com