STARNBERG, October 25, 2024
Former German tennis professional Philipp Kohlschreiber has taken on the role of coach for 17-year-old German tennis player, Justin Engel. Kohlschreiber, known for his successful playing career with eight ATP titles and a career-high ranking of World No. 16, retired in 2022. His extensive experience on the ATP Tour is expected to greatly benefit Engel, who is considered one of Germany’s promising young talents.
Engel’s decision to partner with Kohlschreiber reflects a strategic move to enhance his game with insights from one of Germany’s most experienced players. Kohlschreiber’s understanding of the game, tactical acumen, and familiarity with the pressures of professional tennis could help guide Engel in his transition to higher levels of the sport.
Engel made headlines last week by winning his first main-draw match on the ATP Tour at the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan. At just 17 years and 14 days old, the teenager from Nürnberg secured a 7-5, 6-4 victory against Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong, ranked World No. 133. This achievement made him the youngest player to win a match on the ATP Tour since Carlos Alcaraz in 2020, who did so at 16. Engel’s impressive run ended in the next round against World No. 31 Francisco Cerundolo, losing in three sets.
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Engel will play for TC Großhesselohe in the Germany’s Tennis Channel Bundesliga next season. Currently ranked World No. 458, he is the highest-ranked player under 18. “There’s almost no better coach here in Germany to train with,” Engel commented on his new coaching partnership with Kohlschreiber.
“Looking at the rankings, he is the best teenager in the world,” said Kohlschreiber, quoted by Sky Sport Germany. “That’s why it’s a great honor for me that the trust is reciprocated. I aim to use my energy and knowledge to pave the best path for him to reach the world’s top. He already has a lot to offer. His father has done a good job so far, putting in a lot of hard work. He’s tall, strong, and has a lot of power—qualities that define modern tennis.”
