Top seed Alexander Zverev and defending runner-up Ben Shelton highliht the field at the BMW Open by Bitpanda in Munich.
“I am really happy to be back,” Shelton said. “For me the most memorable part of last year’s tournament was that I should have lost in the first round. We had a lot of tight matches. It was a crazy tournament run last year and to end up in the final was pretty cool. Hopefully, I can have another great run this week. I like playing here – not that much when it’s cold – but this is a great tournament. I like the conditions. They have made so many improvements over the last 12 months. The tournament is very well attended, with a lot of enthusiastic fans, pretty much more than at any other ATP 500 event. The courts are always packed – even during the qualifying. I enjoy the atmosphere.”
The top four seeds are completed by Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan and Italian Flavio Cobolli. Two players making their Munich debut add further excitement: Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas and rising star João Fonseca.
Tournament director Patrik Kühnen believes the event is stronger than ever.
“World-class tennis from the very first point and across all competitions – we could not ask for more from a sporting perspective and are proud to present what is probably the most attractive field in the history of this traditional tournament.”
“Our player field this year underlines that Munich, now in its second year as an ATP 500 tournament, has become a top address on the ATP Tour,” added organiser Christian Okon. “Combined with the special atmosphere and unique setup, we have all the ingredients for a fantastic tournament week.”
All eyes on the prizes
In addition to prize money of €478,935 as well as 500 ATP Ranking points, the winner of this year’s tournament will once again receive a special prize. At Friday’s opening press conference at BMW Welt, organisers unveiled the new all-electric BMW iX3 50 xDrive as the champion’s car.
Recently named the “World Car of the Year”, the new iX3 is the first model of BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ generation.
“The BMW iX3 is the first model of the ‘Neue Klasse’, with which BMW has entered a new era of driving pleasure,” said Tim Beltermann. “The all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle establishes a new design language, sets standards in dynamics and performance and is therefore the perfect winner’s car for this great tournament.”
World-class wheelchair tennis players headline Allianz Para Trophy
The Allianz Para Trophy, which has become one of the highlights of the week in Munich, also returns from April 16 to 18 as an official event on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour. New this year is its elevation to 500-level status, along with the introduction of a Quad Division for the first time.
Eight players will compete in the Quad singles draw, alongside the already established Open Division. The new event immediately brings together the very best in the world, with the top three players in the current Quad rankings all set to compete in Munich.
Leading the field is world No. 1 Niels Vink of the Netherlands. The 23-year-old, who lost both legs and several bones in his hands due to illness, has already completed the career Golden Slam by winning every Grand Slam title and Paralympic gold. He arrives as one of the main title favourites alongside fellow Dutchman and doubles partner Sam Schroder, the current world No. 2, and Israel’s Guy Sasson, ranked No. 3.
The Open Division also features established stars. Among them is Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez, a former Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion who has previously lifted the trophy in Munich.
Tournament director Mischa Zverev highlighted the significance of the event.
“Thanks to Allianz, the Para Trophy has developed into one of the highlights of the Wheelchair Tennis Tour in recent years,” Zverev said. “With the introduction of the Quad competition and such a strong field, we can look forward to a tournament that sets new standards and brings people together.”
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