BMW Open by Bitpanda: Best field in tournament history eager to win the new all-electric BMW iX3.

+++ Seven top 20 players will compete at the BMW Open by Bitpanda (11-19 April, MTTC Iphitos) +++ All-electric “World Car of the Year” BMW iX3 for the winner of the ATP 500 tournament +++ Social commitment FUTURE ACES enters its second season +++ BMW is involved as title partner in its home city for the 39th time +++

Munich. Kick-off to the BMW Open by Bitpanda 2026 at BMW Welt: This year's Winner‘s Car of the ATP 500 tournament was presented at a press conference today (Friday). The winner can look forward to the new all-electric BMW iX3 50 xDrive (WLTP energy consumption combined: 17,9 - 15,1 kWh/100 km; WLTP CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO2-class: A), the first model of the Neue Klasse. The road to the title promises great excitement and top-class sport, as the strongest field in the history of the tournament is coming to Munich. Led by defending champion Alexander Zverev (GER), who is aiming for his fourth BMW Open victory and would thus become the sole record winner, as well as Ben Shelton (USA) and Alexander Bublik (KAZ), a total of seven players from the top 20 of the world rankings will be competing in the singles competition.

Since last year, the BMW Open by Bitpanda has attached particular importance to them scoring as many aces as possible. Together with its tournament partners, BMW launched the FUTURE ACES initiative at the tournament's premiere as an ATP 500 event and donated a coaching lesson for young people in need for every ace scored during the tournament. Over the past twelve months, six young people who would otherwise have no access to tennis have been able to train regularly and be integrated into club life at MTTC Iphitos. They will all continue to be supported by the aces of this year's tournament, and a new group will be able to start the programme.

Statements.

Tim Beltermann, Head of BMW Germany: “The BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model, with which BMW has entered a new era of driving pleasure. The all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle has established a new design language and set standards for driving dynamics, and is therefore the perfect Winner’s Car for this great tournament. I wish us all first-class tennis and, in connection with that, many aces for FUTURE ACES. Through tennis, young people gain skills and perspectives that help them on their way to a self-determined life.”

Patrik Kühnen, Tournament Director: “World-class tennis from the very first rally and across all competitions – we couldn't wish for more in terms of sport and are proud to present the fans and spectators with what is probably the most attractive field of participants in this traditional tournament history.”

Dr. Fabian Tross, Chairman MTTC Iphitos: “We have managed the balancing act of organising a major ATP 500 tournament while at the same time retaining the familiar atmosphere that has always characterised the BMW Open by Bitpanda. This has been very well received by the audience, with the venue already full on the qualifying weekend and a great atmosphere. This is anything but commonplace on the ATP Tour.”

Christian Okon, CEO MMP Event, Tournament Organiser: “This year's field emphasises that Munich is already a top address on the ATP Tour in its second year as an ATP 500 tournament. Coupled with the special atmosphere and the unique set-up, we have all the ingredients for a fantastic week of tournament action.”

Winner‘s Car 2026: BMW iX3 50 xDrive.

The BMW iX3 is the first model in the New Class, with which BMW has launched a new era of driving pleasure. An instant success, it has established a new design language and set standards for driving dynamics and performance. A range of up to 805 kilometres, battery charging at up to 400 kW and an energy consumption of just 17.9–15.1 kWh/100 km (WLTP) demonstrate the outstanding abilities of the new BMW iX3. The new BMW Panoramic iDrive brings innovation to the interior. The high-performance control unit Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control take driving pleasure to an entirely new level.

Plenty of compelling reasons for the expert jury at the World Car Awards to declare the BMW iX3 the 2026 “World Car of the Year” – and thus the standout new vehicle on the international automotive markets – following extensive test drives. On top of that, the model won the 2026 “World Electric Vehicle” title. The BMW iX3 is therefore an absolute winner in its own right, making it the ideal special prize for the champion of the BMW Open by Bitpanda 2026.

FUTURE ACES: Programme giving children and young people access to tennis.

The long-term FUTURE ACES programme gives disadvantaged children and young people access to tennis and helps to broaden their future prospects. FUTURE ACES was initiated by the BMW Group and implemented together with partners of the BMW Open by Bitpanda – above all with MTTC Iphitos and the organiser MMP.

Every ace hit during the BMW Open corresponds to a coaching lesson at MTTC Iphitos. Children and young people are given the opportunity to learn tennis and develop their skills in a supportive environment. Mentors from the partners and other measures accompany the participants with the aim of strengthening their skills and opening up long-term prospects. The programme promotes the development of the participants‘ potential and supports them on their path to a self-determined life as FUTURE ACES.

At the BMW Open by Bitpanda 2025, 361 coaching hours were earned. This enabled 16 young people to try out tennis at a Whitsun camp lasting several days. Six youngsters decided to stick with the programme and were integrated into regular training and club life in the long term. The programme will continue in 2026: The aces and the associated donation will be used to continue supporting the six youngsters, and a new FUTURE ACES cohort will also start after the BMW Open 2026.

Star players BMW Open by Bitpanda 2026.

The singles field at this year's BMW Open by Bitpanda has it all. Including Alexander Zverev (GER), Ben Shelton (USA) and Alexander Bublik (KAZ), a total of seven players from the top 20 of the world rankings are taking part. Flavio Cobolli, Luciano Darderi (both ITA), Jiri Lehecka (CZE) and Francisco Cerúndolo (ARG) complete this group. In addition to Zverev, Yannick Hanfmann, Jan-Lennard Struff and Justin Engel will also fly the German flag via a wild card. For the first time, tennis fans in Munich will have the chance to see shooting star Joao Fonseca from Brazil and top Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas in action.

Fans can also look forward to Grand Slam champions and illustrious names in the doubles competition. First and foremost, the number one seeds Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz from Germany. In addition to former BMW Open winners such as Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler (both AUT) and world-class doubles players, prominent singles specialists are also on the entry list this year. Zverev will be competing with doubles legend Marcelo Melo (BRA), with whom he shares a friendship. Francisco Cerúndolo, Darderi and Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) will also be competing in the doubles.

Allianz Para Trophy.

Once again, the Allianz Para Trophy will be played at MTTC Iphitos from 16 to 18 April alongside the BMW Open by Bitpanda. The UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour tournament has long since established itself as a sporting highlight. The Allianz Para Trophy has been upgraded to a 500-category tournament and is featuring the premiere of the “Quad Division” this year, in which players with disabilities in at least three limbs compete. As in the “Open Division”, the field of players in Munich consists of eight athletes. The “Quad Division” has an outstanding line-up, as the top three players in the current world rankings will be competing. First and foremost is the world number one, Niels Vink from the Netherlands, who has already won the “Career Golden Slam” – all Grand Slam titles and the Paralympic gold medal. Fans can also look forward to world-class sport in the “Open Division”. For example, Gustavo Fernández from Argentina, who has won Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in his career to date, will be competing.

About BMW Welt.

With its iconic, award-winning architecture, BMW Welt is one of Bavaria’s most visited attractions and symbolizes the BMW Group’s innovative strength. Since its opening in 2007, it has welcomed over 2 million visitors annually. Together with the BMW Museum and BMW Group Classic, it forms an important part of the brand experience in Munich.

BMW Welt unites all BMW Group brands – BMW, BMW M, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad – under one roof. Visitors will find exhibitions and brand presentations and can pick up new vehicles in a unique setting. Since its opening, more than 280,000 vehicles have been delivered.

The event program includes a year-round program of cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment events. BMW Welt’s spaces are also available for external events. The offerings are complemented by guided tours, product consultations, and the educational program at THE CAMPUS for children and families. Several restaurants, including the fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer, provide culinary options.