Cristian Garin’s impressive run at the BMW Open continued on Friday as he secured a decisive 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No. 5 Alexander Zverev. This marks Garin’s fourth career Top 10 triumph, with two of those coming against Zverev in Munich.
Despite challenging weather conditions, Garin remained composed, saving both break points he faced in the opening set. In a pivotal 18-point game in the second set, Garin broke Zverev’s serve for the second time, forcing an error with a powerful inside-out forehand.
Zverev, bundled up in warm clothing, struggled to match Garin’s ball-striking prowess. Garin sealed the victory on his second match point when Zverev mishit a forehand return.
“I’m so happy with the way I’m playing this week,” said Garin. “I’ve been fighting for every point.”
Garin’s victory will propel him back into the Top 100 next Monday. In 2019, he rode the momentum of his upset win over Zverev to claim the BMW Open title. Third seed Taylor Fritz now stands in his way of another championship match appearance.
Fritz advanced to the semifinals with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1) victory over sixth seed Jack Draper. The American is projected to reclaim his status as the No. 1-ranked American after losing it to Ben Shelton this week.
Second seed Holger Rune remained undefeated at the tournament, defeating Marc-Andrea Huesler 6-4, 7-6 (3). Rune, who fell out of the Top 10 after losing to Jannik Sinner last week, will face the winner of the match between fourth seed Jan-Lennard Struff and fifth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
