Zverev Rallying to a Stunning Tweener in Munich: A Remarkable Kecmanovic Comeback
Fonseca bests Tabilo, Molcan stuns Bublik
April 14, 2026
BMW Open
Alexander Zverev shines against Miomir Kecmanovic this Tuesday in Munich.
By Andy West
In a thrilling showdown at the BMW Open by Bitpanda, Alexander Zverev displayed grit as he fended off a spirited comeback from Miomir Kecmanovic, sealing a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(2) victory. Zverev unleashed a phenomenal tweener during the nail-biting moments, leaving the Munich crowd in awe.
As the top seed and defending champion at this prestigious ATP 500 clay event, Zverev maintained his poise even as Kecmanovic surged back from a set and a break down to push the match to a dramatic finish. The No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings elevated his performance during the decisive tie-break, showcasing spectacular shots, including an incredible reaction tweener volley at 4/1 after Kecmanovic’s backhand grazed the net.
The ultimate improvisation 🤯🆙@AlexZverev bringing out the hotshot for his home crowd!@BMWOpen500 | #BMWOpenbyBitpanda pic.twitter.com/wOZcnz9kkG
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 14, 2026
“Being in a tie-break, it wasn’t just for show; it was my only option,” Zverev stated. “Fortuitously, it landed well. I don’t often have many highlight moments, so this one feels special.”
Chasing his record fourth title in Munich, Zverev exhibited dominance at the net, winning 85% (11/13) of his points against Kecmanovic, as per Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. This two-hour, 19-minute battle allowed him to avenge his earlier loss to Kecmanovic in Acapulco back in February.
“I struggled with my serve throughout the match, giving him several opportunities on my second serves,” Zverev reflected. “He was playing flawlessly at times. The temperature conditions also made it challenging to secure winners. Still, I’m thrilled to have come out on top.”
Zverev’s next opponent in the second round is Gabriel Diallo, whom he previously defeated in their only meeting earlier this year at the Australian Open.
Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca enjoyed his Munich debut, triumphing with a 7-6(1), 6-3 victory over Alejandro Tabilo. The 19-year-old, fresh off a quarter-final run in Monte-Carlo, is set to face seventh seed Arthur Rinderknech for a chance at the quarters.
Third seed Alexander Bublik and eighth seed Tallon Griekspoor both faced early exits. Qualifier Alex Molcan eased past Bublik with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 scoreline, moving on to a second-round matchup against Daniel Altmaier, who overcame former World No. 3 Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-3.
In other matches, Denis Shapovalov triumphed against Griekspoor in a closely contested 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 battle, and will now face the winner of the thrilling encounter between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Fabian Marozsan later on Tuesday.
Italian tennis stars Flavio Cobolli and Luciano Darderi also moved forward to the next round. Fourth seed Cobolli defeated local #NextGenATP talent Diego Dedura with a score of 6-4, 7-5, booking a date with Zizou Bergs, who won against Marko Topo 6-1, 6-4. Sixth seed Darderi bested Zhang Zhizhen with a final tally of 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-1 and will meet Vit Kopriva, who won a three-set battle against Justin Engel, finishing 6-3, 5-7, 6-2.
