HAMBURG, March 13, 2024
While most players at the Challenger Hamburg were already battling for a spot in the quarterfinals, there were still a few athletes in first-round action on Wednesday, including the Germans Rudolf Molleker and Max Hans Rehberg.
In their only second meeting, Molleker emerged victorious, winning 6-2, 7-6(4), securing a place in the second round of the €36,900 ATP Challenger Tour hard-court event. The sixth-seed converted three of his seven break points and won 54 per cent of the total points played, managing to turn the tide in the tie-break of the second set despite being 4-1 down to clinch victory after one hour and 36 minutes.
Molleker and Hamburg – a perfect fit!
“There were many close points today, but I got off to a good start overall. In the end, it came down to small details. Max had set point in the second set, and it could have gone into an extension. However, I felt good, believed in the victory, and fought well. That made the difference,” Molleker analyzed his first appearance in the Hanseatic city this season.
The 23-year-old traveled to the north of Germany with a lot of momentum after a good run to the semifinals at the Challenger in Lugano last week.
“I played in Lugano until Saturday and only came home on Sunday. So, I had asked for a start in Hamburg on Wednesday, which was granted. That way, I could still train on site here yesterday,” explained Molleker about the “late start” in Horn.
While today’s victory marked Molleker’s first success at the Hamburg Tennis Association at the Challenger level, his relationship with the Hanseatic city is warm overall.
“Hamburg is a special city for me. I have many fond memories. They are mainly associated with the tournament at Rothenbaum. Although the event here is a bit smaller, it’s always cool to be in Hamburg. I now know some spots, such as at Jungfernsteg, where you can go out in the evenings,” Molleker revealed, confessing to being a regular guest at a well-known chain of fast-food restaurants that primarily offers Italian-style dishes.
Agwi remains unstoppable
Earlier, Michael Agwi reached the quarterfinals of an ATP Challenger tournament for the first time. The 20-year-old Irish qualifier, who has become a fan favorite this week, once again demonstrated his skills impressively by defeating No. 8 seed Marc-Andrea Huesler from Switzerland 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
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“This was the biggest win of my career so far,” Agwi said after the two-hour encounter. The match against the former top-100 player can certainly be considered a test of maturity for the youngster. “As in the past few days, I played well, but today was a tougher opponent. He handled my shots better and was able to generate a lot of pressure himself. I was able to overcome my weak moments. However, I also expected a tough encounter.”
Two players from Berlin in Hamburg
Molleker, who, like Agwi, lives in Berlin, was also impressed by his colleague’s performance.
“We’ve trained together frequently at the Berlin Tennis Association lately and have gotten to know each other well there,” said Molleker, praising his fellow player. “Michael has a very dangerous and aggressive game. He serves incredibly fast. Additionally, he is very athletic and moves well. He has a lot of potential and has already won his first Futures tournament in Oberhaching. He will surely go his own way.”
Due to the draw, a meeting between the two Berlin residents may only happen in the final. Before that, Agwi will face French qualifier Clement Chidekh on Friday, who defeated Nicola Kuhn of Germany 6-2, 6-2. Molleker will already meet Lithuanian veteran Ricardas Berankis in the second round on Thursday.
Later in the afternoon, home favourite Henri Squire also made it to the quarterfinals. The 23-year-old from Duisburg defeated Japanese Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-4, 6-2 in less than an hour of play. Squire will now await the winner of the match between Molleker and Berankis.
