Sun shines as Zverev reaches Munich quarters

Alexander Zverev took a further step towards a defence of his 2025 title at the ATP Munich event with a comfortable 6-1, 6-2 hammering of Canada’s Gabriel Diallo on Thursday.

The German who won his only title of 2025 in his home nation faced an opponent carrying an injury in the 73-minute loss.

“I think he had some issues with his back and wasn’t serving fully in the second set anymore. Very unfortunate,” the 28-year-old world No. 3 said. 

“Of course I am happy with the win and getting an easier match today.”

After days of cold weather, the spring sun finally made an appearance in the Bavarian capital.

Zverev advanced the the last eight with five breaks of serve and will bid fro a return to the semi-finals against fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo, a winner over Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-0.

“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 winner said as he reached a second straight quarter-final here..

Zverev has won their last four meetings.

“I’ve never beaten him on clay, which is his favourite surface, but I am definitely looking forward to the challenge,” Zverev said.

“I’m very happy to be at this stage, facing a tough opponent. That’s what it’s going to be tomorrow.”

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev with his 2025 Munich trophy