Alexander Zverev joins rare ATP club with birthday triumph in Munich

Alexander Zverev claimed his third BMW Open crown in Munich on his 28th birthday. Thus, he became the fifth player since the start of the ATP Tour in 1990 to lift a trophy on his birthday. The German joined Boris Becker, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev on the exclusive list.

Winning an ATP title is always special, and the achievement becomes even more notable if someone celebrates a birthday on that day. Alexander achieved that while turning 28, conquering his first ATP title since last year’s Paris Masters and embracing a double celebration. 

C’est Dominic Thiem qui apporte la voiture du champion pour son pote, Alexander Zverev, à Munich. 🚗🤝pic.twitter.com/vE8xHx2GI6

— Univers Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) April 20, 2025

Boris Becker won the 1992 ATP Finals on his 25th birthday. Yevgeny Kafelnikov joined the party eight years later, conquering Marseille on his 27th birthday in 2001. We had to wait for 15 years to see another birthday winning an ATP title. 

Andy Murray went all the way at the 2016 Rome Masters, clinching a trophy while turning 29. Three years later, Andrey Rublev embraced a double celebration in front of his fans in Moscow at 22. Alexander Zverev entered the charts at home in Munich last week, and he almost missed it!

World no. 3 trailed 7-6, 5-3 in the quarter-final against Tallon Griekspoor. He pulled the break back at the last moment and prevailed after over three hours to remain on the title course. Alexander faced Ben Shelton in the title clash. 

The German defeated the American 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 11 minutes en route to his 24th ATP title. The two-time champion served at 77% and faced no break points following a dominant display behind his first serve.

He stole 40% of the points behind Shelton’s serve and grabbed three breaks to control the scoreboard and sail over the top. Ben…