STUTTGART, June 11, 2025
Justin Engel made an impressive statement in his very first match on grass. Playing with a wildcard, the 17-year-old from Nuremberg stunned experienced Australian James Duckworth in three sets on Tuesday afternoon at the BOSS Open – and collapsed onto the lush green court in celebration after converting match point. The crowd at the Centre Court of the Stuttgart Weissenhof erupted, giving the German youngster a standing ovation for his fearless performance.
Engel needed some time to settle into his game during his grass-court debut. As the match progressed, the teenager grew more confident but found himself trailing by a break at 2-3 in the deciding set. He even had to receive medical treatment from the tournament doctor due to dizziness. Yet, he somehow managed to dig deep and summon the energy to complete a remarkable comeback after two hours and 30 minutes, defeating the World No. 94.
First grass court win ✅
17-year-old Justin Engel holds firm to defeat Duckworth 4-6 6-4 7-6 on home soil #BOSSOPEN pic.twitter.com/QeCMMp65UP
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 10, 2025
From Neckarcup to Stuttgart
Just one week earlier, Engel was still competing on clay at the Neckarcup ATP Challenger event in Bad Rappenau. After losing in the first round to Argentina’s Facundo Mena, he planned to prepare for his first-ever grass-court tournament by training on carpet – making his composed and courageous performance in the capital of Baden-Württemberg all the more impressive.
In Stuttgart, Engel wasn’t just supported by the enthusiastic home crowd, but also by a strong team. Former top pro Philipp Kohlschreiber coached him courtside, and former Davis Cup player Carl-Uwe Steeb was also in his box.
Following in the Footsteps of Nadal
Engel’s idol, Rafael Nadal, famously won the Stuttgart title on grass in 2015 – a memory that could serve as additional motivation for the young German. Engel admires Nadal especially for his fighting spirit on the court and his grounded nature off it – values the teenager also hopes to embody.
“This is my first grass-court tournament and I’m really proud that I managed to play so solidly,” Engel said after the match. “Without the fans, it wouldn’t have been possible. I’m really grateful for the support and I can’t wait to play the next round in front of a crowd like this again.”
He will have the opportunity to do so on Thursday, when he faces US-American Alex Michelsen in the second round. Michelsen advanced by defeating French veteran Gael Monfils in three sets – setting the stage for another thrilling clash at the BOSS Open.
