HALLE, WESTPHALIA/STARNBERG, June 18, 2025
With dominant performances on the opening days of the 32nd TERRA WORTMANN OPEN, Alexander Zverev and the doubles team of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz are proudly flying the German flag in Halle.
World No. 3 Zverev cruised past US-American Marcos Giron with a commanding 6–2, 6–1 victory, while Krawietz and Puetz dispatched the Swedish-Dutch pairing of Andre Goeransson and Sem Verbeek 6–3, 6–4, continuing their strong run as a duo this season.
The ATP Tour 500 grass-court tournament in Halle has long been known as fertile ground for German tennis stars, with home favorites often advancing deep into the draw. But following early exits from Daniel Altmaier, Yannick Hanfmann, and Jan-Lennard Struff, Zverev is now the only remaining German in the singles draw.
His opening match, however, gave home fans plenty of hope. “That was a good start against an opponent who plays well on grass and has caused trouble for quite a few players,” Zverev said, pleased with his performance.
From the first point, Zverev took control with aggressive returns, attacking play, and tactical variety. He racked up 14 winners in the first set alone. Not even a bizarre incident in the stands could disrupt his focus: a billboard fell from the upper tier onto a 62-year-old spectator from Halle. Fortunately, she suffered only minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.
In the second set, Zverev wasted no time asserting his dominance, quickly going up 2–0 and sealing the crucial break at 5–1. He wrapped up the match in just 79 minutes with a trademark backhand winner on his first match point.
Smooth sailing ⛵@AlexZverev defeats Giron 6-2 6-1 to move through to the Halle second round#TWO25 pic.twitter.com/ziE1unfVcm
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 18, 2025
Doubles action brought more joy for the local crowd. On the packed Schauinsland-Reisen Court, with 3,500 fans in attendance, Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz, affectionately known as “KraPü,” converted their first match point to claim a solid win over Goeransson and Verbeek—familiar foes they’ve now beaten three times in four meetings this year.
“A first match on grass is never easy, so we’re very happy,” said Puetz. “It’s great to know we’ll have at least one more match. That’s especially important on grass—the more matches you get, the better.”
Our Results of the Day for you! #tennis #atp #atphalle #TWO25 #sport #centercourt pic.twitter.com/LkbwFaXafS
— TERRA WORTMANN OPEN (@ATPHalle) June 18, 2025
