Munich SF Insights: Zverev Faces Cobolli, Shelton Battles Molcan

The BMW Open reaches the semifinals with Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton both one win from another Munich final. Munich SF insights flag two intriguing semis: Zverev faces Cobolli, while Shelton battles Molcan.

Zverev vs. Cobolli

Alexander Zverev meets Flavio Cobolli in a Saturday afternoon semifinal. This will be their third career meeting.

Zverev leads 2-0. He beat Cobolli 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-1 at the 2025 French Open. He also won 6-4, 7-6(6) on grass in Halle weeks later.

Form and context

Zverev enters as the world No. 3 and the defending BMW Open champion. He has had mixed displays this week.

He produced a dominant second-round win over Gabriel Diallo. He narrowly defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in a third-set tiebreak. He also needed three sets to beat Francisco Cerundolo.

Cobolli’s week

Flavio Cobolli is the 16th-ranked Italian. He is known for volatile form and high peaks.

Cobolli won in Acapulco earlier this season and has impressed in Munich. He beat Diego Dedura, Zizou Bergs, and Vit Kopriva, all in straight sets.

Molcan vs. Shelton

Ben Shelton will face Alex Molcan in the other semifinal. The two have never played each other before.

Shelton’s route

Shelton is the tournament’s No. 2 seed and sits at world No. 6. He has been tested each round.

He opened with a 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 win over Emilio Nava. He then beat Alexander Blockx 6-4, 7-6(8). He finished with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory against Joao Fonseca.

Molcan’s surprise run

Alex Molcan arrived in Munich as a qualifier and sits near No. 166. He has produced a dream week.

Molcan ousted Alexander Bublik, Daniel Altmaier, and Denis Shapovalov to reach the semis. Those wins marked a major breakthrough for the Slovak.

Outlook and picks

The Zverev–Cobolli match blends experience with volatility. Cobolli’s recent form gives him a real chance despite past losses to Zverev.

Prediction: Cobolli in 3.

The Molcan–Shelton clash favors the American. Shelton’s lefty comfort and steady form should carry him through.

Prediction: Shelton in 2.