FRANKFURT/STARNBERG, October 19, 2024
On the first day of the UTS Frankfurt, Ugo Humbert moved closer to secure his spot at the UTS Finals in December in London. The 26-year-old Frenchman sealed a 3-1 win over Denis Shapovalov and a valuable point from the All-Star Game on Friday. Now, “The Commander” only needs to reach the semi-finals to guarantee his place in the capital city of the UK.
Ben Shelton also secured his spot in London after defeating crowd favourite Jan-Lennard Struff in a sudden-death showdown. “I apologize for knocking out the home favorite,” Shelton joked afterward. “I haven’t played this format in almost two years, so I hope to improve as the tournament progresses.”
Look at this impossible volley from @BenShelton at #UTSFrankfurt
Until Sunday, watch UTS Frankfurt all around the world: https://t.co/89YYuM3GYu pic.twitter.com/LjHNF8crKD
— UTS Tour (@uts_tour_) October 18, 2024
Dominic Thiem, on his farewell tour, was less fortunate as he lost in the quarterfinals to UTS debutant Thanasi “Kokki” Kokkinakis.
Kokkinakis was thrilled with his debut and praised the innovative format after his win against the Austrian. “I loved it,” he stated. “I watched it on TV and wanted to be part of it. Thank you all for coming. It’s a lot of fun. It takes away my biggest strength, my first serve, but you have to find a way to win.”
Lorenzo Musetti also emerged victorious with a 3-0 win, delivering a commanding performance against French veteran Gael Monfils. Musetti and Kokkinakis now lead their group, but with Super Saturday ahead, featuring eight matches at the Süwag Energie Arena, the competition remains wide open. “I’d rate myself a nine,” Musetti said of his performance in Frankfurt. “I felt great from the start. I was a bit tense at the end because I know Gael’s skills, but I’m really happy with today’s win.”
The Süwag Energie Arena also welcomed a special visit from a charity organization. Through their partner, Eintracht Frankfurt, children from the Vitos Child and Youth Clinic for Mental Health in Hanau visited the venue on Friday, showing great interest in the matches.
For more information and tickets, please visit the event’s official website.
Today at #UTSFrankfurt. 8 matches. 8 players. A crazy programme for sports fans!
Who will reach the Final Four?
Watch UTS tournament all around the world: https://t.co/89YYuM3GYu pic.twitter.com/0HCaiXEOMU
— UTS Tour (@uts_tour_) October 19, 2024
