Cristian Garin repeats history by ousting Alexander Zverev in Munich quarterfinals

On Friday, Cristian Garin picked up his fourth career Top 10 victory. Two of those have now come against Alexander Zverev in Munich.

Five years after ousting the German over three sets in the BMW Open quarterfinals, Garin repeated history—this time more decisively in his 6-4, 6-4 victory at the 250-level event.

Playing in cold, windy and damp conditions, the Chilean saved both break points he faced in the opening set—one at 2-1 after breaking Zverev and one when serving for it at 5-4.

In a pivotal 18-point game midway through the second set, the world No. 5 dropped serve for the second time. Garin engaged the bulk of the finishing rally to Zverev’s backhand side, eventually getting enough weight behind an inside-out forehand to force an error.

Zverev, who opted to layer up with a long-sleeved undershirt and compression leggings, couldn’t warm up enough to combat his opponent’s ball-striking. Garin served out the contest on his second match point when Zverev shanked a forehand return.

“Maybe this weather’s good for my game,” laughed Garin during his on-court interview.

“I just tried to play my game, to be focused because it’s not easy to play in these conditions. I’m so happy with the way I’m playing this week. I’ve been fighting for every point.”

The 27-year-old will return to the Top 100 next Monday with his effort this week. In 2019, Garin backed up his upset win over Zverev by riding the momentum to the title. Third seed Taylor Fritz stands between him and another championship match opportunity.

Fritz equaled his 2023 showing by rallying past sixth seed Jack Draper, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1). By doing so, the San Diego, Calif. native is projected to reclaim his status as the No. 1-ranked American after losing it to Ben Shelton this week. Fritz is looking to add to February’s Delray Beach triumph and is seeking his first clay-court crown.

Later, second seed Holger Rune continued his march towards a three-peat in remaining undefeated at the tournament. The Dane evened his head-to-head record with Marc-Andrea Huesler at 2-2 after saving all four break points he faced in a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory.

Rune fell out of the Top 10 to No. 12 after losing to Jannik Sinner in last week’s Monte Carlo quarterfinals. The 20-year-old awaits the winner of fourth seed Jan-Lennard Struff and fifth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.