HEILBRONN, June 4, 2024
Daniel Altmaier opened his NECKARCUP title bid with a first-round win on Tuesday afternoon but the top seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 100 clay-court event in Heilbronn had to dig deep against fellow German Marko Topo.
In an even encounter right from the beginning, Altmaier broke his rival six times and was the more solid player in the tie-break of the second set to secure victory in two hours and nine minutes.
Off to the right start 🙌
Top seed @daniel_altmaier defeats compatriot Topo 6-3, 7-6 to advance to the 2nd round in Heilbronn#ATPChallenger | @NeckarH 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/LfqNRB809T
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 4, 2024
“It wasn’t easy to get into the match today,” said Altmaier, who came from Paris, where he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round at Roland Garros. “Marko played a really good match but I could count on my fitness, which probably made the difference in the end today. It was an exhausting match today but I am looking forward to the upcoming match.
“I want to stay on the clay for three more tournaments and therefore this event is very important for me to get some rhythm. Of course, as a former champion, Heilbronn is a special place.”
This year the 2022 NECKARCUP champion is not only chasing for the title at the Tennis Club Trappensee but also for a possible ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris. According to ITF criteria, a specific ranking position as of next Monday is required, and a maximum of four players from the same nation can participate. Defending champion Alexander Zverev and Jan-Lennard Struff can already plan to compete for Germany at the Olympics. Dominik Koepfer is also likely to secure his participation at Roland Garros at the end of July. But there is still one spot available.
“I wasn’t really aware of the Race but for sure it is an extra motivation,” said Altmaier. “However, it is more important to improve my game week by week. And if I do a good job, I will have the chance to compete in the Olympics.” The World No. 83 will next take on Maks Kasnikowski from Poland.
Choinski upsets Hanfmann
Earlier on Center Court, Jan Choinski upset No. 2 seed Yannick Hanfmann 6-4, 6-2. The 27-year-old Koblenz native, who represents Great Britain, struck five aces and won 73 per cent of his first-service points to secure victory in one hour and 18 minutes.
Choinski will next take on German qualifier Peter Heller, who edged out 2018 NECKARCUP champion Rudolf Molleker of Germany 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 after two hours and 30 minutes.
NECKARCUP RESULTS – JUNE 04, 2024
Singles – First Round
[1] [WC] D. Altmaier (GER) d [WC] M. Topo (GER) 63 76(4)
J. Choinski (GBR) d [2] [WC] Y. Hanfmann (GER) 64 62
[3] S. Nagal (IND) d [Q] N. Basilashvili (GEO) 62 16 63
[4] M. Marterer (GER) d [Q] D. Masur (GER) 63 60
[5] L. Van Assche (FRA) d M. Janvier (FRA) 67(2) 63 76(2)
M. Kasnikowski (POL) d [Alt] S. Fanselow (GER) 46 64 61
G. Blancaneaux (FRA) d [Q] L. Poertner (GER) 61 76(7)
J. Barranco Cosano (ESP) d [Alt] A. Holmgren (DEN) 64 62
N. Sanchez Izquierdo (ESP) d [Q] D. Dutra da Silva (BRA) 76(6) 62
T. Barrios Vera (CHI) d B. Hassan (GER) 64 60
H. Squire (GER) d A. Vallejo (PAR) 63 62
A. Moro Canas (ESP) d [Q] F. Gill (GBR) 64 75
[Q] P. Heller (GER) d R. Molleker (GER) 57 64 75
ORDER OF PLAY – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 05, 2024
HÖRTKORN CENTER COURT start 11:30 am
C. Harrison (USA) / F. Martin (FRA) vs [2] T. Arribage (FRA) / V. Cornea (ROU)
[8] J. Rodionov (AUT) vs A. Moro Canas (ESP)
Not Before 3:30 pm
[Q] P. Heller (GER) vs J. Choinski (GBR)
Not Before 6:00 pm
H. Squire (GER) vs [4] M. Marterer (GER)
COURT 1 start 11:30 am
[WC] J. Engel (GER) / D. Masur (GER) vs F. Bergevi (SWE) / M. Veldheer (NED)
A. Ritschard (SUI) vs T. Barrios Vera (CHI)
[1] C. Frantzen (GER) / H. Jebens (GER) vs J. Barranco Cosano (ESP) / N. Sanchez Izquierdo (ESP)
Not Before 4:30 pm
B. Hassan (GER) / R. Molleker (GER) vs J. Schnaitter (GER) / M. Wallner (GER)
COURT 2 start 11:30 am
T. Matsui (JPN) / K. Uesugi (JPN) vs [4] L. Martinez (VEN) / C. Rodriguez (COL)
T. Fancutt (AUS) / M. Janvier (FRA) vs R. Arneodo (MON) / G. Blancaneaux (FRA)
[WC] S. Fanselow (GER) / L. Gerch (GER) vs G. Ricca (ITA) / A. Virgili (ITA)
After Suitable Rest – [3] B. Arias (BOL) / F. Zeballos (BOL) vs M. Geerts (BEL) / A. Moro Canas (ESP)
