In a momentous victory at the BMW Open in Munich, Jan-Lennard Struff captured his maiden ATP Tour title after an electrifying performance on Sunday. The 33-year-old German dazzled spectators with a commanding display, defeating Taylor Fritz in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, to claim the championship trophy in his fourth final appearance at the iconic tournament.
Amidst cheers from the crowd, Struff’s triumph was sealed with a powerful smash, marking a memorable milestone in his illustrious career. As the confetti fell and applause filled the air, Struff was rewarded with more than just accolades—he received €88,125 in prize money, the traditional champion’s Lederhosen, and the keys to an all-electric Winner’s Car: the BMW i5 M60.
In a ceremony brimming with excitement, Bernhard Kuhnt, Head of BMW Region Europe, presented the prestigious award, hailing Struff’s exceptional performance and commending his historic achievement. Expressing pride in BMW’s enduring partnership with the tournament, Kuhnt emphasized the company’s commitment to shaping the future of the BMW Open as it transitions to an ATP 500 event next year.
The 2024 BMW Open marked a milestone not only in Struff’s career but also in the tournament’s history, with all nine days of competition witnessing sold-out grandstands for the first time. Over 50,000 enthusiastic spectators defied inclement weather to witness world-class tennis and create an electrifying atmosphere at MTTC Iphitos in Munich.
Throughout the tournament, fans were treated to exhilarating matches featuring top-tier talent, including Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev, last year’s champion Holger Rune, and former US Open winner Dominic Thiem. However, it was Struff’s unwavering determination and formidable play that ultimately secured victory, leaving opponents like Rune and Fritz unable to withstand his powerful game.
Ecstatic in his victory, Struff expressed gratitude for the support of the home crowd and reflected on the significance of winning his first title on German soil. Receiving the trophy from Markus Söder, Minister President of Bavaria, and the sleek BMW i5 M60 from Kuhnt, Struff expressed his delight, describing the car as “fantastic” and expressing anticipation for future BMW Opens.
The BMW i5 M60, featuring impressive performance and sporty dynamics characteristic of a BMW M car, represents innovation and sophistication in all-electric form. Struff’s triumph was further celebrated by Tournament Director Patrik Hühnen, who personally collected the Winner’s Car from the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
In addition to Struff’s singles victory, the doubles competition saw Yuki Bhambri and Albano Olivetti emerge triumphant, while MartÃn de la Puente and Frederic Cattaneo/Stephane Houdet claimed victory in the Allianz Para Trophy and doubles, respectively, adding to the tournament’s rich tapestry of success and achievement.
As Struff basks in the glory of his historic win, the BMW Open stands poised to embark on an exciting new chapter as an ATP 500 event, promising fans and players alike even more thrilling moments and unforgettable experiences in the years to come.
