MUNICH — The stage was set for an electrifying clash as top seed Alexander Zverev boasted a 7-2 advantage over Tallon Griekspoor, yet their rivalry tells a story far more compelling than those numbers suggest.
Every encounter between these two is a fierce battle.
“It’s always a thrilling match, we push each other to the limit,” Zverev remarked after triumphing in their latest skirmish during the BMW Open quarterfinals on Friday.
In a heart-stopping contest lasting over three hours, Zverev clawed his way back from the edge of defeat to secure a 6-7 (6), 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory.
Just a month prior, Griekspoor had celebrated a landmark victory over Zverev at Indian Wells, marking his first win against a top-five player.
However, in Munich, backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, Zverev saw Griekspoor falter after serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set. The Dutchman also faced a daunting 0-40 situation against Zverev in his second service game of the third set.
“Winning this match makes me proud, and I can’t wait for what’s next,” Zverev expressed eagerly.
Currently ranked third, Zverev is set to square off against Hungary’s 77th-ranked Fabian Marozsan.
Marozsan made headlines by reaching his first ATP semifinal after overcoming Zizou Bergs of Belgium with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (4).
Meanwhile, Ben Shelton advanced to his second semifinal on clay courts by defeating Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-3.
The young American, who claimed the Houston title on clay last year, exhibited dominance by firing 29 winners compared to Darderi’s 12, all amidst chilly conditions in Bavaria.
In the next round, Shelton will take on Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo for a coveted spot in the final. Cerundolo, seeded fifth, advanced by defeating David Goffin 6-2, 6-4.
Before the tournament, Shelton experienced a new thrill by attending his first professional soccer match, witnessing Bayern Munich draw with rivals Borussia Dortmund 2-2 last Saturday.
With this victory, Shelton not only reached his ninth tour-level semifinal but also ended Darderi’s remarkable seven-match winning streak, which included a title in Marrakech.
