Defending champion Alexander Zverev opened his Munich Open campaign with a hard-fought victory, but not before treating the home crowd to a moment of pure magic. The world number three navigated a tricky first-round test against Miomir Kecmanović, winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2) in a match that lasted over two hours.

The cool Bavarian weather created slow conditions, making it difficult for Zverev to blast winners. However, he found a spectacular solution when it mattered most. With the decisive tie-break in hand, Zverev unleashed an audacious 'tweener' volley—a shot played between the legs—to seal a crucial point and take a commanding 5-1 lead, sending the local fans into a frenzy.

This win carries extra significance, as Kecmanović had defeated Zverev in their previous meeting in Acapulco earlier this year. The victory underscores Zverev's strong 2024 form, with his only recent losses coming against the sport's very elite: world number one Jannik Sinner and the explosive Carlos Alcaraz.

Now, Zverev sets his sights on a record-extending fourth Munich title, having claimed his sole trophy of 2023 at this very event. His quest continues in the second round against Canada's Gabriel Diallo, as he looks to build momentum on his favored clay courts.