BRAUNSCHWEIG/STARNBERG, July 9, 2025
A packed matchday at the BRAWO Open 2025 saw 16 thrilling encounters on the courts of the BTHC tennis complex in Braunschweig’s Bürgerpark. With eight singles round-of-16 matches and eight opening-round doubles clashes, the ATP Challenger Tour 125 tournament is now entering its decisive phase.
Navone too strong for rising star Dedura
Action on the BRAWO Center Court kicked off with 17-year-old German talent Diego Dedura facing World No. 90 Mariano Navone of Argentina. The 24-year-old, who boasts six Challenger titles and a career-high ranking of World No. 29, left no room for surprises. Relying on his powerful, precise groundstrokes and exceptional backhand, Navone cruised past the youngster 6–1, 6–2 to become the first player to secure a quarterfinal spot.
“I’m here in Braunschweig for the first time and felt great on court today. I definitely want to win this tournament and get back to the top of the game,” said a confident Navone after his win.
Hanfmann, Carballes Baena and Navone eyeing the trophy
Germany’s top hope, Yannick Hanfmann, also has his sights set on the title. The 2018 BRAWO OPEN champion delivered a focused and composed performance on an outside court against Frenchman Luka Pavlovic, winning 7–6, 6–4. After the final point, Hanfmann celebrated with a powerful fist pump.
“It was a tough match, really exhausting, but I played well and managed to raise my level compared to yesterday,” said Hanfmann, who remains the only German to advance to the quarterfinals.
Other German contenders weren’t as fortunate. Tom Gentzsch, who had upset compatriot Rudolf Molleker on Tuesday, lost to Austrian Filip Misolic in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3. Christoph Negritu impressed early on against top seed Roberto Carballes Baena, winning the opening set 6–1. But the defending champion from Spain adjusted his tactics and mounted a strong comeback to win 1–6, 6–3, 6–2.
“It was a real battle today, very tough,” said Carballes Baena, “but I’m ready to defend my 125 ATP points here in Braunschweig.”
Van de Zandschulp in top form
Cool, clinical, and composed Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp once again proved why he’s among the title favorites. The 2024 finalist and former Wimbledon round-of-16 player showed no mercy to Spain’s David Jorda Sanchis, dispatching him 6–1, 6–1 in dominating fashion.
“I’m here in Braunschweig for the third time. I love the city and this tournament,” said van de Zandschulp.
Botic Express Rolls On
Last year’s finalist @Boticvdz dominates Jorda Sanchis 6-1, 6-1 to return in the quarter-finals in Braunschweig!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/MqO4buIntM
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) July 9, 2025
