HEILBRONN, May 11, 2015

Two of the three top seeds fell in the opening round on Monday at the second edition of the € 42.500,- ATP Challenger Neckar Cup in Heilbronn.

The tournament’s number one Damir Dzumhur lost to Andreas Beck without gaining a break point 4-6, 4-6 in one hour and 20 minutes.

Michael Berrer knocked out third seed Ricardas Berankis winning 7-6, 6-4. The 34-year-old German won 80% of his first service points to seal victory in one hour and 38 minutes.

Dr. Philipp Menzel, Janko Tipsarevic and tournament director Metehan Cebeci (photo: Neckar Cup)

Janko Tipsarevic, who was granted a wild card, announced that he was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury. “He practiced here at the venue yesterday and also had some sprinting exercises later in the hotel. He did a sidestep and felt some pain in the hip area,” the tournament’s doctor Philipp Menzel explained and added that another medical examination showed that a muscle was torn.

Tipsarevic was understandably disappointed. “It’s really sad that this happened. I was highly motivated to play here. Unfortunately it is not possible. I will stay here in Heilbronn for a couple of more days, having further medical treatment. I am really sorry for the fans. Each week, I have been feeling better and better and wanted to start a run here. I cannot promise it, but I will try to play the Neckar Cup next year,” the 30-year-old Serb told.