“Finally, I won a close one. I’ve lost a few of those the last few months. I always said, ‘I need to get one of these.’ And I did today,” a jubilant Alexander Zverev reacted to his hard-earned QF victory on Thursday in Munich. The German, who lost the AO final back in January and a close first round match in Monte Carlo, a week ago, has finally returned to form this week at the BMW Open. After Melbourne, he’s entered the first semifinal of an event this season. But the campaign is far from over as the World No.3 prepares to take on Hungarian ATP pro Fabian Marozsan on Saturday.
Alexander Zverev v Fabian Marozsan: Preview
Alexander Zverev couldn’t wish for a better start to his 2025 season as he made it to the final of the Australian Open. Back in January, the German was expecting to win a maiden slam at the Rod Laver Arena. But he missed out on the opportunity against World No.1 Jannik Sinner. This heartbreak was so big that Sascha ended up losing his focus in subsequent events.
At the Argentina Open, he did enter the QF round but crashed out after losing to local hero Francisco Cerundolo. In Rio as well, the fate was similar as he was ousted by Argentinian Francisco Comesana. But then came the most forgettable phase for him this season.
In four consecutive tournaments (Mexican Open, Indian Wells, Miami Open, and the Monte Carlo Masters), he failed to make a deep run. Fortunately, he seems to have found the lost rhythm at the BMW Open.
He began the campaign with a straight-set victory against Alexandre Müller. Later, in R16, he ousted compatriot Daniel Altmaier (6-3, 6-2) to enter the last eight. In the quarterfinal round on Thursday, he beat Griekspoor despite losing the first set. Zverev made a phenomenal comeback and made it to the SF stage with a final score line of 6-7, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 19, 2022 Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his second round match against Australia’s John Millman REUTERS/James Gourley
Speaking of his opponent, Fabian Marozsan’s 2025 season has been inconsistent to say the least. He showed promising signs back in January, reaching the QF of the Hong Kong Open. Then, in the Australian Open, he succeeded in entering the third round before losing to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. However, the Hungarian hasn’t shined in subsequent events since then.
In Rotterdam, Marozsan was ousted in R16, and same was the outcome in Doha too. In the last four events, he’s been unable to make a deep run. At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, and Monte Carlo Masters, he crashed out early.
At the BMW Open, however, Marozsan has shined brightly this week. He began his campaign with a straight-set win over German Justin Engel. Then, in R16, he ousted Frenchman Ugo Humbert before taking down Belgian Zizou Bergs in QF, 6-3, 7-6(4), to enter the semifinal clash.
Zverev v Marozsan: Head-to-Head
Both players have met only once across ATP tours. Currently, Zverev leads the h2h tally 1-0 against Marozsan.
2024 Miami Open QF: Zverev 6-3, 7-5
Prediction: Alexander Zverev to win in straight sets
Alexander Zverev has got a huge advantage when it comes to singles stats this season. He’s won 15 of his 22 encounters (68.18 win percentage) compared to Fabian Marozsan (10-8). But what about the event history of these two pros?
Well, Zverev has had a solid run at the BMW Open. So much so that he even won back-to-back titles here. He emerged as the champion back in 2017, defeating Argentina’s Guido Pella, 6-4, 6-3, in the summit clash. Then he defended his crown successfully and beat compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber in the 2018 final with a score line of 6-3, 6-3.
In his last three appearances (2022, 2023, and 2024), Zverev was ousted in R16 successively before making it to the QF stage last season. This season, he’s done one better and reached yet another semifinal of the clay court event. On the other hand, Fabian’s playing his maiden BMW Open this week, where he’s earned his best run already with a SF spot.
Coming onto their playing styles, Zverev has got a solid baseline game. Not to forget his groundstrokes and an effective serve. His counter-punching style allows him to wait for the opponents to commit a mistake and then capitalize on it. The German has also got an effective forehand and backhand in his arsenal. But what about his Hungarian opponent?
Marozsan’s got an aggressive style, and he has the ability to dominate from the baseline. He can also utilize his dependable drop shot to beat the rivals and earn clever points during intense moments.
While the No. 77 player is having a fantastic tournament, he faces a significant challenge in defeating Alexander Zverev, especially on Zverev’s home ground and favored surface. Zverev’s clay-court prowess is well-established, evidenced by his status as one of only three players to have ever beaten Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. Expect Sascha to win the semifinal in straight sets.
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