BONN, August 5, 2025
The opening round of the Bonn Open wrapped up on Tuesday with only one German player, Mats Rosenkranz, advancing to the second round. Alongside lucky loser and promising talent Jamie Mackenzie, Rosenkranz is now one of just two German representatives left in the ATP Challenger Tour 75 clay-court tournament.
Rosenkranz earned his place in the main draw following the withdrawal of Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. Seizing the opportunity, the 26-year-old from Essen delivered a markedly improved performance compared to his qualifying loss to Hungary’s Peter Fajta. On Tuesday, he defeated France’s Clement Tabur to keep local hopes alive.
Four Germans Eliminated
There was disappointment elsewhere for the host nation. Diego Dedura lost the “Match of the Day” to No. 4 seed Vilius Gaubas of Lithuania despite strong support from the local crowd on Center Court. Dedura struggled to find his rhythm early on and ultimately fell 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 19 minutes.
Christoph Negritu also exited the tournament without taking a set, losing 7-5, 6-4 to Austria’s 19-year-old Joel Schwaerzler. Likewise, Patrick Zahraj went down 6-4, 6-4 to Czech qualifier Martin Krumich.
German teenager Niels McDonald fought hard in a two-hour battle but was edged out by Bulgaria’s Yanaki Milev. After winning the first set 6-4, McDonald couldn’t maintain the momentum and lost the next two sets 6-4, 6-4. For Milev, it marked a career milestone, his first main draw match win on the Challenger Tour.
Favorites Impress on Center Court
The third day of the Bonn Open opened with a commanding display from Denmark’s Elmar Moller, who solidified his status as one of the tournament favorites. Especially in the second set, Moller proved far superior to Argentine qualifier Gonzalo Villanueva, cruising to a 7-6, 6-2 in one hour and 32 minutes.
“It was a tough match, which could have gone either way. Overall I am just happy to be through. I played well and went for my shots,” Moller told Tennis TourTalk afterwards.
“I have only been for a couple of days but the venue here is super nice. The club is nice, the food is good. It is a good tournament.”
No. 2 seed Raphael Collignon also impressed after a shaky start. The Belgian fell behind 5-0 in the opening set against Peter Fajta but stormed back to win it 7-5 and secured the second set 6-4 after one hour and 32 minutes.
