CADOLZBURG/STARNBERG, January 17, 2025
Home faovurite Justin Engel has reached the semi-finals of the second edition of the Cadolzburg Open. The 17-year-old Nuremberg native beat fellow German Kai Wehnelt in a packed Tennis-Center Schwadermühle on Friday.
After a closely contested first set that went to a tiebreak, Engel gained confidence and dominated the second set with powerful winners, sealing the match with an ace after one hour and 20 minutes.
“At the beginning, I didn’t feel the ball as well as in my first two matches,” said Engel. “Additionally, my opponent served in such an awkward way that I had trouble reading his serves, especially in the first set. However, I stayed persistent and eventually found my rhythm.”
Up next for the World No. 400, who captured four titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour last year, will be Aaron Funk. The 18-year-old German wild card entry impressed with a 6-3, 6-4 win over his compatriot and qualifier Christian Djonov, securing his first semi-final appearance on the Pro Circuit. Funk’s powerful baseline play and consistent serving were the key to his victory.
“I’m completely satisfied with my performance today,” said World No. 1,338 Funk. “I felt good about my strokes from the very beginning, which allowed me to play very effectively from the baseline. I also served really well. Right now, I’m just happy because, as a wildcard player, you don’t usually expect to reach the semifinals. Carpet isn’t exactly my best surface, but my strong serve definitely helps on it.”
Wiskandt rallies past Marysko
In other quarterfinals action, Max Wiskandt rallied from a set down to defeat 1,187th-ranked Vincent Marysko in a thrilling encounter, finishing 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. The World No. 513 struggled initially, requiring medical treatment for abdominal issues, but adjusted his game to outlast Marysko.
In the third set, Wiskandt was unstoppable, capitalizing on his opponent’s errors to claim victory after 2 hours and 16 minutes.
“I already knew before the match that he’s a really strong player who performs much better than his ranking suggests,” said Wiskandt. “After losing the first set, I improved my returns and was able to turn the match around. The abdominal issues affected me a bit, but I’m optimistic that after some physio treatment, I’ll be ready to give it my all tomorrow.”
Wiskandt now faces Britain’s Hamish Stewart, who defeated Evgeny Karlovskiy of Russia in two tight sets.
German duo reaches doubles final
The duo of Jannik Opitz and Tom Zeuch staged a comeback to defeat Mika Petkovic and Aaron Funk 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-1 to reach the doubles final. Meanwhile, Adrian Oetzbach and his British partner Joe Tyler fell in a close match to Matyas Cerny/Matthew William Donald 6-3, 3-6, 10-5.
Friday Results
Singles – Quarterfinals
Justin Engel (GER) –Kai Wehnelt (GER) 7:6 (2), 6:2
Max Wiskandt (GER) – Vincent Marysko (GER) 4:6, 6:4, 6:1
Aaron Funk (GER) – Christian Djonov (GER) 6:3, 6:4
Evgeny Karlovskiy (RUS) – Hamish Stewart (GBR) 7:6 (5), 7:6 (4)
Doubles – Semifinals
Jannik Opitz (GER)/Tom Zeuch (GER) – Mika Petkovic (GER)/Aaron Funk (GER) 2:6, 7:6 (1), 10:6
Adrian Oetzbach (GER)/Joe Tyler (GBR) – Matyas Cerny (CZE)/Matthew William Donald (CZE) 3:6, 6:3, 5:10
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