SCHWIEBERDINGEN, January 16, 2016
The $10,000 ITF Future Südwestbank Tennis Grand Prix in Schwieberdingen will have its very first all-German-final on Sunday when Daniel Masur and Andreas Beck are going to compete for the title.
On Saturday’s semis, third seed Daniel Masur rallied back from a set down to overcome Petr Michnev in the opening match, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. The 21-year-old German didn’t start well, losing his serve in the fourth game through an unforced forehand error. The 26-year-old Czech, who knocked out the tournament’s top seed Sebastien Boltz as well as fifth favourite Cem Ilkel, served out in the ninth game to clinch the opening set.
Masur benefited from a double fault to capitalize on his first break point leading 4-2 in the second frame, which he eventually took by firing his third ace in the ninth game.
Michnev had to go the distance in all of his three previous matches and seemed to get physically as well as mentally more tired the longer the match lasted. The 21-year-old German was wide awake, gaining the decisive break in the third game to prevail in one hour and 35 minutes.
“I wasn’t satisfied with my game today. I didn’t start well but with my first break in the second set I gained more confidence. I stayed calm and didn’t start to panic,” Masur told about his key to success. “Nonetheless, I am happy and relieved to win such a tough and tight match in the end.”
On-court-interview (German): Daniel Masur SF Schwieberdingen 2016
Daniel Masur beat Petr Michnev
In the second semi-finals the tournament’s number two Andreas Beck emerged victorious from the all-German-affair with fourth seed Kevin Krawietz, winning 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. The 29-year-old Weingarten native had the better ending in an encounter with a couple of spectacular rallies but also some ups and downs, in particular during the third set. Beck converted four of his eight break points, including the decisive one in the twelfth game of the final frame, when he capitalized on his first match point after two hours and nine minutes.
“It was really close today. We both served very well, which made it difficult for both of us. I think that I had the necessary little bit of luck in the end, returned well in the decisive moments but it could have also gone the other way. It was fifty-fifty,” Beck told after the match.
The 29-year-old leftie struggled with injuries in the past and is playing his first tournament since the US-Open last year. It is also Beck’s first ITF Future tournament since claiming the title in Trimbach in 2014.
“I am just happy that I am back on the court. So it is not important to me if I play at National Championships, Futures or Challengers – I just enjoy playing tennis again,” Beck explained.
“I am not at 100% again, but I am really satisfied with my performance throughout the week. Now it’s time to recharge the batteries in order to be fit for the final tomorrow,” told the former world number 33, who will meet Masur for the second time on the tour. Beck won the only the previous encounter on the carpet in Nussloch in 2014.
“It will be another tight match again tomorrow. Daniel played very well here and has a lot of confidence. It will be a difficult encounter for both of us and the better will win,” he said.
On-court interview (German): Andreas Beck SF Schwieberdingen 2016
Andreas Beck took on Kevin Krawietz
