MEHRLEBEN/STARNBERG, September 22, 2025
Germany’s rising tennis stars continued their impressive form following a strong showing at the Junior French Open, capturing multiple titles at the Tennis Europe U18 European Championships in Oberpullendorf, Austria.
Niels McDonald became European champion in singles, adding to his Junior French Open crown. The 18-year-old dominated top seed Yannick Alexandrescou of Romania 6-2, 7-5 in the final to secure the title.
In doubles, Sonja Zhenikhova and Eva Bennemann proved unstoppable once again. After winning the girls’ doubles title at Roland Garros, the German pair claimed the European Championship as well, defeating Poland’s Amelia Paszun and Inka Wawrzkiewicz 6-4, 7-6 in the final.
With both victories, the team of the German Tennis Federation (DTB), coached on site by national coaches Jasmin Wöhr and Philipp Petzschner, also topped the overall nations standings.
“Having Niels as well as Eva and Sonja follow up their French Open successes with European titles is an outstanding achievement and confirms their enormous potential,” said DTB board member Veronika Rücker. “These results show that German junior tennis is on a very good path, producing players capable of competing at the highest international level.”
The U18 European Championships, held from 15–21 September, brought together 132 players from 35 Tennis Europe member nations. Part of the ITF World Tennis Tour (Juniors) and a J300 event, the tournament boasts a prestigious history. Thirteen singles and 14 doubles champions have gone on to reach World No. 1, including Carlos Moya, Martina Hingis, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Barbora Krejcikova.
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Final Results
Boys’ Singles: (3) Niels McDonald (GER) d. (1) Yannick Alexandrescou (ROU) 6-2 7-5
Girls’ Singles: (2) Nellie Taraba Wallberg (SWE) d. (1) Charo Esquiva Bañuls (ESP) 6-4 7-6(2)
Boys’ Doubles: (8) Raffaele Ciurnelli & Matteo Gribaldo (ITA) d. (5) Xavi Palomar & Sergio Planella Hernandez (ESP) 7-5 6-1
Girls’ Doubles: (1) Eva Bennemann & Sonja Zhenikhova (GER) d. Amelia Paszun & Inka Wawrzkiewicz (POL) 6-4 7-6(2)
