Alexander Zverev takes the first step

The excitement increases. « Get away, » the man calls in the dark suit. Somehow must Alexander Zverev Now through here. There can also be a little rabid. Zverev is on his way to his first game at the BMW Open this year. Many fans, most of them, are waiting for him in front of the match against Alexandre Muller. They hope for an autograph of the superstar. The next opportunity will arise. Zverev continues in the tournament after the 6: 4, 6: 1 success.

There is a lot going on on Monday on the facility of the MTTC Iphitos Munich. The clay court tournament received an upgrading this year, For the first time it belongs to the top 500 category of the men’s tennis association ATP. It is about 500 world ranking points, the total prize money has risen to 2.5 million euros. The new Center Court is located right in front of the clubhouse. 6000 fans can find space on the steel tube stands that stretch to the sky.

In the past few years it has mostly been calmer on Monday and Tuesday. Because the top stars intervened later in the tournament. This year, however, the top seed Zverev, as well as fellow favorite Ben Shelton, have to go on Monday. When the young American marches towards Center Court shortly after 2 p.m., many young fans stand in his way. They hold huge tennis balls in their hands, please sign Shelton. The 22-year-old nods politely, but cannot be stopped. Also because the security employees clear him the way.

The first two games go over three sets

Zverev is planned for the third match of the day on the Center Court. He has to wait a long time. Game one between Miomir Kecmanovic and Marcos Giron lasts almost three hours, Kecmanovic wins in the third set tie -break. Shelton is dealing with the qualifier Borna Gojo. Most spectators expect a much faster game. They fever with Shelton. In fact, however, the American also struggles to find his rhythm. After all, he ends up with 4: 6, 7: 6 (8: 6) and 7: 6 (7: 3). The two opponents are also on the Center Court for well over two hours.

Zverev so needs patience. The planned afternoon game becomes an evening event. It is only his turn shortly after 5 p.m. The sun has now moved behind clouds, it has become much cooler. Zverev shows a courageous appearance against the Frenchman Muller. A good start for the German. He is the figurehead of the tournament.

However, in recent years he has in Munich always difficult. He did not come any further than to the quarter -finals. His two tournament victories were long ago – in 2017 and 2018 he won in Munich. The past few weeks have been sobering for the 27-year-old. After his final defeat at the Australian Open, he came out of step. Disappointment lined up in disappointment, most recently he failed early in Monte-Carlo. Munich should become a turning point. A « initial spark », as his brother announced before the tournament started.

Justin Engel intervenes for the first time on Tuesday

At least the prelude is considerable. Zverev dominates the game, although he has to briefly worry about success in the first set. When the 6: 4 is certain, he fires at first and immediately afterwards the audience. Many places have not remained empty in the stands. The 27-year-old also presents an early break in the second round, as a result he played routinely and clever. In the end he can be satisfied.

Zverev is the promising present in German tennis, Justin Engel belongs to the future. The 17-year-old from Nuremberg received a wildcard for the tournament, he meets the Hungary Fabian Maroszan in round one on Tuesday. They separate 266 places in the world rankings. Nevertheless, Munich’s tournament director Patrik Kühnen from Engel is convinced. He is the « best German perspective player », says Kühnen. Engel is trained by his father Horst and former professional Philipp Kohlschreiber from Augsburg. A dream come true for him, said Engel on Saturday at the draw. He confidently added: « I have nothing to lose. »

In contrast to Zverev. He is once again the top favorite in Munich, this year he wants to do justice to these expectations. In addition, the German number one wants to get a good feeling for the French Open in Paris in May. After all, step one has succeeded. Although he needs a lot of patience on Monday and late at the Player’s party beginning at 7.30 p.m.