Cristian Garin is celebrating a major upset…
The 27-year-old Chilean professional tennis player defeated top seed Alexander Zverev on Friday in the BMW Open quarterfinals.
In the process, Garin picked up his fourth career Top 10 victory.
Two of those have now come against Zverev in Munich.
He previously ousted the German tennis star five years ago in three sets at the same 250-level event.
Playing in cold, windy and damp conditions, Garin 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.”
Garin 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).
