STARNBERG, January 9, 2025
The international tennis season in Germany kicks off in Bavaria with the second edition of the Cadolzburg Open. The ITF World Tennis Tour M15 event will be held at the Tennis Center Schwadermühle in Cadolzburg from January 12 to 19, being part of the DTB Internationals series presented by Wilson.
Uchida leads entry list
The entry list of the indoor carpet tournament is led by Japanese veteran Kaichi Uchida. The 30-year-old is a two-time champion on the ATP Challenger Tour and he lifted four trophies on the ITF Pro Circuit last season. Uchida, currently ranked World No. 366, cracked the Top 150 in May 2023. He is seeking his 12th career title on the ITF World Tennis Tour, his first on carpet.
Uchida, however, will face strong competition, as home favourite Justin Engel will try to delight his home crowd again. The 17-year-old from Nuremberg made waves on the men’s tour last year. In addition to winning his first four titles on the Pro Circuit, the youngster from the TennisBase Oberhaching achieved a breakthrough with his first match win on the ATP Tour at the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan. As the youngest player in the world ranked within the Top 400, Engel enters the Cadolzburg Open as the second seed.
Other favourites include three-time Junior Grand Slam champion Jonas Forejtek from the Czech Republic and last year’s Cadolzburg Open runner-up Michael Agwi from Ireland. The 21-year-old, who was raised in Berlin, reached the 2024 final with his powerful playing style but eventually fell to Daniel Masur in the championship match. Evgeny Karlovskiy will also be a strong contender to watch, as he knows how to play well on this rare surface. The 30-year-old Russian claimed the title of the 2017 Südwestbank Tennis Grand Prix in Schwieberdingen, Gemrany on carpet.
Stebe returns to the tennis tour
A wild card into the main draw of the Cadolzburg Open has been awarded to Cedrik-Marcel Stebe. The 34-year-old German will make is return to the circuit after more than two years. The former World No. 71, who struggled with injuries in the past, actually considered to end his professional career after playing his last tournament at the Tenerife Challenger in February 2023. Yet, Stebe will be back in action and for sure one of the players to watch.
German youngsters Alen Mujakic, Vincent Marysko and Aaron Funk have also received a wild card into the main draw.
Cadolzburg, Germany
The ITF World Tennis Tour event offers a total prize pool of $15,000 and will be hosted by the Tennis Center Schwadermühle in Cadolzburg, a charming town located in the Fürth district of Bavaria. Known for its rich history, the town’s centerpiece is the Cadolzburg Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s past. The castle now serves as an interactive museum, showcasing the lifestyle and culture of the Middle Ages.
Surrounded by scenic landscapes, Cadolzburg provides a tranquil setting for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The town also hosts cultural events and festivals, blending its historical heritage with modern Bavarian traditions. Its proximity to larger cities like Nuremberg makes it a perfect destination for a day trip.
For more information, please visit the tournament’s website.
