HAMBURG, July 25, 2017

Former World No. 2 Tommy Haas played his probably last singles match on German soil, losing his opening round encounter on Tuesday at the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg against Nicolas Kicker from Argentina 5-7, 2-6. The pair’s first tour meeting ended in front of about 4,000 spectators on Centre Court after one hour and 26 minutes.

“Bye and Tschüss Hamburg, thank you very much! I will return as a spectator,” Haas told the fans afterwards.

The 39-year-old competed in his hometown tournament for the first time in four years. His last appearance in Hamburg was in 2013 when he reached the quarterfinals. Haas, who made his debut 20 years ago at the Rothenbaum tournament, losing to Felix Mantilla in the semi-finals, is leaving Hamburg with an 18-12 record, with a runner-up showing in 2012 when he fell to Juan Mónaco in the final.

Kicker will next challenge fifth Benoit Paire of France. Haas will team up with German youngster Daniel Altmaier to play in the doubles competition on Wednesday. The local favourites are facing Julian Knowle of Austria and Spaniard David Marrero.

First Mayor Olaf Scholz visited #Hamburg #Rothenbaum – with Michael Stich. #GOTC17. pic.twitter.com/e8KZ9y9N2B

— German Open (@Am_Rothenbaum) 25. Juli 2017