Qualifier Ilya Ivashka ousts two-time Munich champ Alexander Zverev

The Belarusian took down the top seed, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3, on Friday at the BMW Open to set a semifinal meeting with another German, Jan-Lennard Struff.

Published April 30, 2021

MUNICH (AP) — Top-seeded Alexander Zverev lost in the Munich Open quarterfinals to Belarusian qualifier Ilya Ivashka, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3, on Friday.

Trying to add to his Munich titles in 2017 and '18, Zverev served for the match against Ivashka at 5-4 in the second set.

But he was broken. Ivashka, ranked 107th, made the decisive break at 4-3 in the third for his first top 10 win. Zverev is ranked sixth.

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 30: Ilya Ivashka of Belarus reacts during his quater final match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day 7 of the BMW Open at MTTC IPHITOS on April 30, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) — © 2021 Getty Images

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Ivashka saved six of nine break points he faced and achieved a second straight victory from a set down. He plays another German, Jan-Lennard Struff, in the semifinals.

Struff defeated fourth-seeded Filip Krajinovic 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (3).

The other quarterfinals were suspended due to rain. Casper Ruud was up against John Millman 6-3, and Nikoloz Basilashvili was leading Norbert Gombos 5-4. Both will resume early Saturday.