MUNICH, April 11, 2025

A new chapter begins on Saturday in the storied history of the International Bavarian Championships. From April 12 to 20, the BMW Open by Bitpanda will make its debut as an ATP 500 event, marking a significant upgrade for one of Germany’s most prestigious tennis tournaments. Now part of an elite group of only 16 ATP 500 tournaments worldwide, Munich joins the ranks of global tennis destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Washington, Dubai, and Tokyo.

This promotion brings a host of exciting changes to the tournament: more prize money, increased global attention, a stronger player field, and an elevated entertainment experience for fans. The city of Munich and tennis fans alike are ready to embrace this next-level edition of the event.

Servus from Munich!

First impressions from my home tournament in a new look! #TravelTheTour #Munich pic.twitter.com/CShWKW1tcH

— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) April 11, 2025

To match the tournament’s new status, significant enhancements have been made to the venue at the MTTC Iphitos, a traditional tennis club located just next to Munich’s iconic English Garden. On Friday, organizers officially unveiled a brand-new temporary Center Court with a capacity for over 6,000 spectators. Set against the charming backdrop of the club’s historic clubhouse, the court combines world-class sporting infrastructure with a uniquely picturesque atmosphere.

Fans can also look forward to improved match and practice courts, as well as newly designed public zones and VIP areas that enhance the overall event experience. These upgrades are designed to offer both casual fans and tennis connoisseurs an unforgettable week of top-tier tennis and entertainment.

…and the new Centre Court with a capacity of 6,000 seats and the unique club house of the MTTC Iphitos in the back. #ATPTour #Munich pic.twitter.com/v8FKafcqIY

— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) April 11, 2025

The 109th edition of the BMW Open by Bitpanda promises a world-class player field. Leading the lineup is current World No. 2 and home favourite Alexander Zverev who has already arrived at the venue and had his first practice session on the old Center Court. He’ll be joined by rising star Ben Shelton, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik, Denis Shapovalov, Matteo Berrettini, Gael Monfils, and defending champion Jan-Lennard Struff.

Along the ATP Tour event, the Allianz Para Trophy, an ITF $40,000 Wheelchair tournament, will take place. Once again, Mischa Zverev will serve as the tournament director. We met him for an interview on Friday.

Tennis TourTalk: What can we expect from this year’s Allianz Para Trophy?

Mischa Zverev : Awesome tennis, great players, great personalities, lots of entertaining points, athleticism and hopefully a lot of people enjoying this sport. I think it’s fascinating. Those guys, not only they’re travelling around the world in a wheelchair with a lot of luggage and conquer the world with difficulties, but also their attitude on court is phenomenal. I could see it back a few years ago when we had really cold conditions out here. It was raining and snowing. Players on the ATP Tour then often complain like ‘Oh I don’t feel my shots, it’s too cold, it’s too wet, the courts are maybe too soft’. Then you see those guys in their wheelchairs, only complaining about their only mistakes when they miss a forehand or hit a double fault. Not a single word about the conditions and just fighting until the very last point. That’s so inspiring. It’s nice to see that they get this beautiful, big stage and a big club in Munich with even more spectators this year. I think it’s going to be awesome.

We will have a new Center Court here, which will probably a bit different compared to the previous years?

It could be. Every court is different. Every time you even come to the same places, something changes. Patrik Kühnen played here a few days ago and he said that when you hit the ball, the sound the ball and the racket make is very unique, different to other Center Courts. That will change a few things here and there. The temperatures will play a big role. Today we have 20 degrees Celsius, it feels like super warm. But maybe in a week from now it could be much cooler and it might be little wet. It feels like you are playing in different seasons. Like always, it will be challenging but players are ready. It’s a big and very important tournament these days. You will have a 6,000 people cheering you on and they not gonna let you down. 

Have you already found your favourite spot at the venue, which has changed a looks different compared to the previous editions?

I have just arrived a few hours ago but I do like the Center Court. It’s large but cosy. It has a good size. It’s not too deep, it’s not too wide and the court just feels great. I will also enjoy the VIP Area this year because it is a typical Bavarian set up. I can’t wait to have some Kaiserschmarrn, which is a local desert and I love it.

Thank you.

Interview: Florian Heer