Tennis pro Jan-Lennard Struff has successfully returned to the start of the grass season after a week-long injury break.
The 32-year-old from Warstein won in the first round of the ATP tournament in Stuttgart after defending against two match balls in a thriller against Marcos Giron (USA) 7: 5, 5: 7, 7: 6 (10: 8) and now scores either on Lorenzo Sonego (Italy/No. 6).
“It’s awesome that I managed to keep my concentration in my first match. I’m totally happy to be back on the pitch,” said Struff on “ServusTV”.
Oscar Otte is also in the round of 16. The man from Cologne prevailed in the German duel with Daniel Altmaier (Kempen) 7: 6 (7: 2), 7: 6 (7: 4).
In the next round, Otte will face Canadian Denis Shapovalov, who is fourth.
Jan-Lennard Struff misses the entire clay court season
Struff broke a toe in Miami at the end of March. He missed the entire clay court season, including the highlight at the French Open, which ended on Sunday with Rafael Nadal’s memorable 14th title.
Until the start in Wimbledon (from June 27th), Struff’s aim is to collect as much match practice as possible.
The men play in Stuttgart this week, the women in Nottingham. A combined ATP/WTA tournament will also take place in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
The most prominent players have reported for the Stuttgart Weissenhof. Among others, world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas and two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray are at the start.