What a debut: Justin Engel caused a sensation directly on lawn on lawn. Equipped with a wildcard, The 17-year-old Nuremberg at the Boss Open defeated the Australian veteran James Duckworth in three sets on Tuesday afternoon – and after the transformed match ball, it was overwhelmed onto the lush green. The Center Court on the Stuttgart Weissenhof raged, the fans celebrated the courageous appearance of the German young player with a standing ovation.
By Florian Heer from Stuttgart
last edited: 11.06.2025, 9:54 a.m.
Angel initially needed a certain start -up time to find their debut on lawn. With increasing playing time, the teenager became more and more confident, but was 2: 3 in the crucial set with a break and even had to be treated by the tournament for dizziness. However, Engel found the energy again to make his comeback perfect against number 94 in the world after two hours and 30 minutes.
From the Neckarcup to Stuttgart
In the previous week, Engel had played on sand at the Neckarcup ATP Challenger Tour event in Bad Rappenau. After his defeat in the first round in the Kraichgau against the Argentinian Facundo Mena, preparation for his first rasis tournament on carpet was to be prepared. The courageous and clarified appearance in the Baden-Württemberg capital is all the higher.
Engel was supported not only by the loud audience in Stuttgart, but also from a prominent side on the stands. Philipp Kohlschreiber looked after him as a coach, also ex-Davis Cup player Carl-Uwe Steeb sat in the box.
Ex-Stuttgart Champion Nadal as a role model
Engel’s model, Rafael Nadal, triumphed on lawn in Stuttgart in 2015 – a memory that may give the young franc additional drive. He was particularly impressed by the combative attitude on the square and its modest way away from the course – properties that also want to embody angels himself.
“This is my first Rasm tournament and I am totally proud to have managed to play so solidly,” said Engel after the match. “It would not have been possible without the fans. I am really grateful that I was supported and can hardly wait to play the next round in front of such an audience again.”
He gets the chance on Thursday when he meets the American Alex Michelsen in the second round. This previously ran down the French veteran Gael Monfils in three sets. Another highlight, for angels and for fans in Stuttgart.
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