In a battle of the top two seeds, top seed Zverev was rarely troubled as he saw off second seed Shelton 6-2, 6-4 to claim the 24th title of his career - and ninth on clay - on his 28th birthday.

Victory for Zverev sees him claim his third title in Munich, having previously lifted back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.

That makes him just the second man in the Open Era to win three Bavarian Open titles, following in the footsteps of compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber, who triumphed in 2007, 2012, and 2016.

However, the event was upgraded from an ATP 250 tournament to an ATP 500 tournament for 2025, making this Zverev's most significant triumph at the event so far.

"It's extremely special," said birthday boy Zverev, who receives a BMW for his victory.

"I always love playing in Germany, winning tournaments in Germany is probably the most special thing that I can do. It's definitely a great birthday present - let's put it that way.

"I definitely knew I had to play my best tennis today. Ben has been playing extremely well this week, I think the conditions suit him extremely well.

"It's very hot, very fast - it's perfect for me as well, to be fair. I enjoyed my birthday so far!"

It is the first title of 2025 for Zverev, and it cements a significant return to form after a difficult spell on the ATP Tour.

The German tasted a third defeat in as many Grand Slam finals at the Australian Open back in January, falling to Jannik Sinner, and had struggled for form since then.

Until Munich, Zverev had reached the quarter-final of just two of his six events since Melbourne, and lost his opening match of the European clay swing to Matteo Berrettini in Monte Carlo last week.

Victory for the German almost did not happen either in Munich, with quarter-final opponent Tallon Griekspoor serving for the match before the home favourite roared back to seal victory.

An early defeat for Zverev in Monte Carlo, coupled with Carlos Alcaraz's triumph at the Masters 1000 event, saw the German fall to world No 3.

However, having triumphed in Munich, the 28-year-old will rise back up to world No 2 if Alcaraz is beaten in Sunday afternoon's Barcelona Open final.

Zverev will next be in action at the Masters 1000 event in Madrid, where he lifted the title in 2018 - after a triumph in Munich - and 2021.

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