PULLACH, August 10, 2018

Kevin Krawietz has celebrated his biggest success in singles so far by reaching the semi-finals of the Isar Open. The 26-year-old German qualifier rallies past Italian Gianluca Mager 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 on chilly Friday in Pullach.

Krawietz struck 10 aces, winning 76 per cent of his first service points to prevail in one hour and 53 minutes.

“My legs felt a bit heavy at the beginning, but the longer the match lasted the better I felt on court. It was a decent performance,” Krawietz told Tennis TourTalk afterwards. By making it into the stage of the final four at ATP Challenger level for the second time after Rome in May, the World No. 342 secures himself 45 ATP-Ranking points.

“I am pretty pleased with my season so far. Sometimes it becomes a bit difficult to combine singles and doubles, as I often have to play qualifying in singles, whereas in doubles I went deep into the draw.”

Krawietz is currently ranked World No. 77 in doubles and advanced to the Round of the last 16 at Wimbledon alongside fellow German Andreas Mies.

“Of course, I want to defend my good doubles ranking but I also want to advance my career in singles. I haven’t played a final at Challenger level. To make it here, would be great,” said Krawietz, who spent a lot of time at the Tennis Club Großhesselohe, venue of the Isar Open.

“I have been practicing here for almost the entire outdoor season. I feel comfortable, as I can sleep at home and I know the tournament director (Dominik Schulz) very well. We spent a lot of time together on the tour, often sharing a room. He is doing a good job,” Krawietz commented.

Mixed feelings for the top two seeds

The local favourite will next take on Pedro Sousa of Portugal, who benefited from the retirement of No. 2 seed Jiri Vesely. The 25-year-old from the Czech Republic suffered from a groin injury and was forced to stop the match, trailing 5-7, 2-5.

Later in the day, top seed Jan-Lennard Struff found his way into the semi-finals. The World No. 56 battled past Argentine veteran Carlos Berlocq 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Struff  converted three of his six break point opportunities to secure victory in one hour and 53 minutes. The 28-year-old German will next take on Martin Klizan. The reigning Kitzbühel champion fought off Swedish teenager Mikael Ymer 6-3, 6-2. Klizan won 57 per cent of the total points played to finish the encounter in one hour and 25 minutes.

Photo Gallery (by Florian Heer):