Philipp Kohlschreiber gears up to defend his title in Halle – Tennis News
German contender, Philipp Kohlschreiber, is all set to defend his title at the Gerry Weber Open, an ATP World Tour 250 series event held on the grass courts in Halle, Germany. Kohlschreiber is already in Halle and has started practicing and improving his
form.
The 28-year-old Kohlschreiber is in tremendous run of form this circuit. In addition to this, he has secured a quarter-final berth or better in six of his last seven showings at this Wimbledon warm-up tournament.
Last year, Kohlschreiber entered this tournament standing at the 49 rank and rallied past his qualifying compatriot, Cedrik-Marcel Stebe, in three sets in his opening match. However, he lifted his game afterwards and went on to shock seventh seed Alexandr
Dolgopolov, former world number one Lleyton Hewitt and third seeded Gael Monfils in straight sets to set up a date with Philipp Petzschner. The jubilant German was leading a set and 2-0 when Petzschner was forced to retire, subsequently awarding Kohlschreiber
the title.
“I felt very comfortable here last year and I return with a lot of self confidence and strength,” Kohlschreiber was quoted. “I am looking forward to good tennis and am looking forward to my opponents. Of course I want to be as successful this year as last.”
Ranked 26th in the South African Airways ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Rankings, Kohlschreiber gave credit to the brilliant atmosphere prevailing at this tournament which is held on his home soil.
“The atmosphere at the Gerry Weber Open is always fantastic and that spills over onto the players and their performances,” Kohlschreiber reflected. “The crowd in Halle always gives me a lot of energy and the atmosphere is ecstatic and I feel at home here.”
The German is currently in good shape and has conquered the BMW Open in Munich after upsetting third seeded Marin Cilic in straight sets. As a result, he claimed three out of his four crystalware at his home soil.
However, Kohlschreiber will face tough competition especially from the top-10 players who have participated at this outdoor event. The Spanish number one Rafael Nadal, Swiss Maestro Roger Federer and the top Czech Tomas Berdych are the top three seeds at
this event. The German is seeded eighth at this event and the last year’s runner up, Petzschner, has received a wildcard entry.
The former world number two Tommy Haas, Canada’s Milos Raonic and Japan’s Kei Nishikori have also committed for this tournament.
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