Drama for Van de Zandschulp: Dutchman has to give up in Munich final | Tennis

It is a hard blow for the Dutchman who played so well in southern Germany. For example, he settled on the clay in the quarterfinals with the Norwegian Casper Ruud. That marked his third victory over a player from the global top-10. Serbian top talent Miomir Kecmanovic also had to believe in the semi-final battle on Saturday.

It is to be hoped for Van de Zandschulp that he has recovered in time for the masters tournaments in Rome and Madrid, but especially for Roland Garros. The grand slam tournament in Paris starts on May 22. There is a good chance that he will start in Paris as a seeded player. When the world rankings come out on Monday, Van de Zandschulp will be number 31 in the world, his highest position ever.

good start

The Dutchman started his first ATP final as a favorite, but of course had in mind that his 19-year-old opponent, also a debutant in a final, knocked the German top favorite Alexander Zverev out of the tournament earlier this week.

Van de Zandschulp was the first Dutchman in an ATP final (singles) since Robin Haase in Gstaad almost six years ago. Haase was also the last Dutchman among the men to claim a title at the highest level. The resident of The Hague won both in 2011 and 2012 in Kitzbühel.

Still a good start

The start for Van de Zandschulp was a pleasant one. The pupil of coach Peter Lucassen came twice before a break and had a number of opportunities to take a 5-2 lead. That didn’t work, Rune broke back.

Subsequently, Van de Zandschulp seemed to suffer from respiratory problems. He disappeared from the track and was examined for a long time in the locker rooms. In order to be able to continue the final, he was given some time to recover.

Van de Zandschulp returned, but on his comeback on the court it was immediately clear that decent tennis was no longer an option. After a few points, the Wageningen-born tennis player gave up. Very disappointed, Van de Zandschulp then backed off.