HAMBURG, March 15, 2024
The winning streak of Michael Agwi of Ireland came to an end in the quarterfinals of the Challenger Hamburg on Friday afternoon. The 20-year-old Berlin resident fell to French qualifier Clement Chidekh 4-6, 3-6.
Chidekh, who arrived in Hamburg already in good form and secured his first ATP Challenger Tour title in Glasgow last month, managed to neutralize Agwi’s powerful serve. The 22-year-old from Provence withstood six aces and broke Agwi’s serve four times to seal victory in one hour and nine minutes.
“Focus was the key to success today. There was a lot to analyze beforehand, as Michael entered the match with a lot of confidence. He has an incredibly strong serve and plays very fast. So it was very important to stay focused in every situation. I managed to do that well today, and I am very happy with my performance,” Chidekh commented afterward.
“I didn’t expect to break him so many times today, but I was particularly focused on the return and gave everything. When he had to rely on his second serve, I could capitalize on my opportunities. The balls may have been bouncing high, but overall, I did a good job,” the World No. 320 added.
Via College to the Pro Tour
Chidekh started playing tennis at the age of three. After a short career in juniors, he began studying mathematics in the United States in mid-2019 and played college tennis at the University of Washington. His former team coach, Matt Anger, now accompanies him on the tour after Chidekh decided to pursue a professional career, a step that can already be seen as the right one.
The French rising star will face Japan’s Yuta Shimizu in the semi-finals, who ousted fifth-seeded Italian Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 7-6(5). The 24-year-old from Konan won seven points more than his opponent and emerged victorious after an hour and 52 minutes.
“I expect another exciting and tough match,” said Chidekh looking forward to the match against Shimizu. With five wins, it is safe to say that the qualifiers feels very comfortable at the venue of the Hamburg Tennis Association. “The courts suit my style of play. Playing on hard courts indoors are my preferred conditions. Of course, I hope to reach the final, but first, I need to be well prepared for tomorrow.”
Blockx continues to make waves
Earlier in the day, Belgian teenager Alexander Blockx defeated seventh-seeded Swiss Alexander Ritschard 7-5, 6-2 after one hour and 32 minutes.
Superb backhand on the run from Alexander Blockx 👌#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/pndBUmHLIn
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 15, 2024
“Alex is a good friend, and we faced each other on the court just a few weeks ago. So it wasn’t easy,” Blockx revealed. “However, I played again at a really good level. I feel very comfortable here and am very happy with my performance today.”
Squire, the last German in the field
The winner of the 2023 Australian Open junior title will now face Henri Squire of Germany. Squire benefited from the injury-related retirement of his compatriot Rudolf Molleker.
Squire was leading 5-3 in the first set in the first set of the encounter between two good friends when the sixth-seed was forced to stop playing.
“I have lost to Squire twice already,” commented Blockx on the upcoming match. “I will be particularly hungry to do better this time. I have never reached the final of a Challenger tournament and will do everything to make it to the Hamburg final.”
Double finals kick off the final weekend
Saturday’s action starts at 11 am local time with the doubles final between the top-seeded duo Karol Drzewiecki from Poland and Finnish Patrik Niklas-Salminen against Mattia Bellucci from Italy and Swiss Remy Bertola.
The singles semi-finals will begin not before 1 pm.
