BAD RAPPENAU, June 1, 2025
For ten years, the Neckarcup was held at the Tennis Club Trappensee in Heilbronn. Now, the success story of the award-winning clay court tournament — which was named the world’s best ATP Challenger event three times — continues in a new setting as the “Neckarcup 2.0” in Bad Rappenau.
The tournament has already delivered high-quality tennis from the very first day of qualifying on Sunday. Spectators were treated to thrilling matches, fierce battles for every point, booming serves over 200 km/h — and a strong showing from the home favorites. Despite thunderstorms rumbling around the region, the tennis courts remained dry, allowing play to continue uninterrupted.
German players made a clear statement in the opening round of qualification, with all seven local contenders advancing to the second round — an impressive start for the hosts.
In an all-German showdown, 26-year-old Mats Rosenkranz got the better of tour veteran Cedrik-Marcel Stebe. Rosenkranz, standing at 1.93 meters, relied on his powerful serve in key moments and converted break points with clinical precision. Stebe, in contrast, failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities to level the second set, ultimately falling 6-4, 6-4.
Daniel Masur had no trouble dispatching Poland’s Daniel Michalski. The 30-year-old German countered everything thrown at him and cruised to a commanding 6-2, 6-2 win.
Japan’s Rei Sakamoto had a slow start in his clash against Canadian Steven Diez, dropping the opening set. But he roared back by winning nine consecutive games and eventually sealed a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory after a grueling 132-minute battle.
Young German talent Marko Topo showcased his variety and creativity in a convincing 6-4, 7-6 win over Dutch veteran Robin Haase, underlining his strong form.
Big names were also present in the qualifying draw. Petros Tsitsipas, younger brother of former World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, entered the draw with a wildcard but was swiftly dispatched by Russia’s Alexey Vatutin, 6-4, 6-3. Switzerland’s Mika Brunold impressed with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Italy’s Federico Iannaccone.
It was a learning experience for Germany’s John Sperle, who was outclassed by Henri Squire in a 6-1, 6-3 loss. However, the surprise of the day came from Reutlingen native Tim Handel. A late alternate entry into the qualifying draw, currently ranked No. 472 in the world, Handel stunned No. 2 seed Elias Ymer — ranked 212 places above him — with a 6-4, 6-3 upset.
Michael Agwi from Berlin, who represents Ireland, benefited from the mid-match retirement of Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles. Despite Agwi calling for medical assistance in the first set due to abdominal discomfort, he dug deep and turned the tide. Former Neckarcup champion Zapata Miralles retired while trailing 7-5, 4-1.
Germany’s Florian Broska advanced without playing after his opponent, Latvia’s Robert Strombachs, withdrew. Finally, Max Wiskandt rounded out a successful day for the German contingent by edging past Benito Sanchez Martinez 6-3, 7-5 in a tight contest.
Completing the lineup for the second round of qualifying was top-seeded Italian Francesco Maestrelli. The 21-year-old had to dig deep in the first set against Ukraine’s Vladyslav Orlov but ultimately prevailed 6-4, 6-2.
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NECKARCUP 2.0 ready to go!
Top seed Luca Nardi faces Daniel Rincon in a first-round match.#ATPChallenger #Neckarcup #BadRappenau pic.twitter.com/owMxauWUBZ
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) May 31, 2025
