With the completion of a long clay season, the ATP Tour now moves into the much awaited grass court season. The clay court season ended on a high. The best two players in the world, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, produced a classic for the ages. The grass season has brought with itself new youngsters. New names are trying to make a mark early in their career on the tour. For example, 17-year-old German Justin Engel made it to the ATP Tour last October. He now has started well on his first ATP level grass event.
Engel Beats Duckworth in three tight sets
Engel, who is currently #281 in the rankings, took to court at the Boss Open in Stuttgart with his first match against James Duckworth in the Round of 32. The German didn’t disappoint his well-wishers as after dropping the first set 4-6, he bounced back strong to clinch the second 6-4. The third set was a long tight contest as it was pushed into the tiebreak. Engel eventually came up with the goods as a mini break in the tiebreaker got him over the line 7-6(7-5).
The match lasted for 2 hours and 29 minutes, and young Engel should be proud to end on the winning side. This is his third ATP win on the tour in just his fourth tournament at this level. Previously he beat Hong Kong player Coleman Wong at Almaty last year, and German Jan-Lennard Stuff at Hamburg earlier this year. With this win, the 17-year-old has a win on all surfaces at the highest level. He will next go head on against Alex Michelsen, who beat French veteran Gael Monfils in his first round match.
Engel has impressed one and all with his consistent performances at the ITF and Challenger Tour level. Fans around the world believe he might be one star for the future and so far he hasn’t disappointed many. At 17, he has a win on all surfaces and looks solid to add more. This strong season on grass could lead him to the doors of Wimbledon in a few weeks time.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
