The BMW Open by Bitpanda returns to Munich from 13 to 20 April 2026, bringing one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history to the clay courts of MTTC Iphitos. Now in its second year as an ATP 500 event, the tournament features eight top-20 players, with defending champion Alexander Zverev headlining the draw alongside Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Alexander Bublik.
What is the BMW Open by Bitpanda?
The BMW Open by Bitpanda is a men’s professional tennis tournament held annually in Munich, Germany, and played on outdoor clay courts. One of the oldest tennis events still in existence, the tournament was first held in 1899 by the Münchner Tennis- und Turnierclub (MTTC) Iphitos. It was upgraded from ATP 250 to ATP 500 status in 2025, significantly raising its profile and prize money. The event forms part of the European clay court swing in the build-up to the French Open and attracts a mix of established stars and emerging talent.
When is the BMW Open by Bitpanda 2026?
The 2026 edition runs from Sunday 13 April to Sunday 20 April, with qualifying rounds beginning on Friday 11 April. The main draw gets underway on Monday 14 April, with quarter-finals scheduled for Friday 17 April, semi-finals on Saturday 18 April, and the singles final on Sunday 20 April. Matches typically begin at 11:00 CEST on outside courts, with centre court sessions starting from 12:00 CEST.
Where is the BMW Open by Bitpanda?
The tournament takes place at the MTTC Iphitos, located in the Englischer Garten district of Munich. The club has hosted the event since 1900, with the centre court at its current Aumeisterweg location since 1930. For the ATP 500 era, the venue features a temporary centre court with a capacity of approximately 6,500 spectators, alongside Court 1 and several practice courts. The red clay surface and intimate, tree-lined grounds give the tournament a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from larger ATP 500 venues.
Key Contenders
Alexander Zverev returns as defending champion after defeating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 in the 2025 final. The German holds three Munich titles (2017, 2018, 2025) and shares the record for most BMW Open crowns with Philipp Kohlschreiber. He will be the firm favourite on home soil once again. Taylor Fritz, the world number seven, is among the top seeds alongside Ben Shelton and Alexander Bublik, who will all be looking to make an impact on the clay.
The draw also features several rising stars. Czech youngster Jakub Mensik, winner of the 2025 Miami Masters, is seeded inside the top 15, while Italy’s Flavio Cobolli arrives with an ATP 500 title already this season from Acapulco. Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who won two titles in 2025 at Basel and Buenos Aires, makes his Munich debut. Former US Open champion Marin Cilic and three-time Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas add further depth to what organisers have called the strongest field in the tournament’s history.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the BMW Open by Bitpanda is broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis, which holds rights to ATP 500 events as part of its comprehensive ATP Tour deal running until 2028. In the United States, coverage is available on Tennis Channel. For viewers in other territories, Tennis TV, the ATP’s official streaming platform, provides live coverage of every match throughout the tournament. A Tennis TV subscription costs around $14.99 per month or $109.99 annually. In Germany, the host broadcaster provides coverage on free-to-air and pay television.
History and Records
Founded in 1899, the BMW Open is one of the oldest continuously held tennis events in the world. The tournament has been played at MTTC Iphitos for over a century and has a rich heritage in the sport. Philipp Kohlschreiber and Alexander Zverev share the record for most singles titles in the modern era with three apiece. Other notable champions include Andy Murray (2015), Holger Rune (2022, 2023), and Jan-Lennard Struff, whose emotional home victory in 2024 was one of the stories of the clay season. Boris Becker, though never a singles champion in Munich, won the doubles title in 1984 alongside Wojciech Fibak. The 2025 edition, the first as an ATP 500, drew over 70,000 spectators across the week, underlining the tournament’s growth.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the 2026 BMW Open are sold exclusively through the official online shop at ticket-onlineshop.com. Options range from general ground passes to premium centre court seats and VIP hospitality packages. The “Käfer’s Sonntagsgenuss” package, priced at 129 euros, includes a Bavarian breakfast and centre court seating on the opening Sunday. Quarter-final and final weekend sessions are in high demand, with limited availability remaining. Children and youth discounts are offered on selected days. The organisers warn against purchasing from unauthorised resellers such as Viagogo, StubHub, and secondary marketplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the BMW Open by Bitpanda 2026 start?
Qualifying begins on Friday 11 April, with the main draw starting on Monday 14 April 2026. The final is scheduled for Sunday 20 April.
Where is the BMW Open by Bitpanda held?
The tournament is held at MTTC Iphitos in Munich, Germany, on outdoor clay courts.
How can I watch the BMW Open by Bitpanda?
In the UK, coverage is on Sky Sports Tennis. In the US, it airs on Tennis Channel. Globally, Tennis TV streams every match live.
Who won the BMW Open by Bitpanda last year?
Alexander Zverev won the 2025 title, defeating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 in the final for his third Munich crown.