Caramba! That was the hottest thing the tennis world has to offer right now!
Over 40 degrees in the sun on the center court at the European am Rothenbaum. And on the pitch Carlos Alcaraz (19) from Spain. The No. 6 in the tennis world is the most successful clay court player of the season.
In an epic heated battle, Alcaraz defeated Nicola Kuhn (22) 3: 6, 6: 1 and 7: 6.
“I knew it was going to be a tough match,” said Alcaraz after 2:26 hours. Because the two knew each other from training. Just like Alcaraz, Kuhn (grew up near Alicante) was in the academy of ex-pro Juan Carlos Ferrero (42).
Nicola Kuhn had to be treated on his right thigh
The German started world class in front of 4800 fans. When his thigh tightened in the third set, he had a bandage applied and limped on.
Give up? there isn’t!
“His injury didn’t make it easier for me,” said Alcaraz. “It’s difficult when you know your opponent is hurt. I had to stay focused because I knew he was going to play very aggressively so as not to have to run too much.”
Then there was the extreme heat. Alcaraz: “It was tough. But I’m used to playing in such conditions. It’s even worse in Spain right now.”
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The next opponent for the upcoming superstar is the Serb Filip Krajinovic (30). And Alcaraz makes it clear: “I have to improve in the next round.”
The whiz kid wants to stay as long as possible: “Right from the start I felt the warmth and love of the people. I love playing here and I enjoy every minute.”
A golfer’s arm torments Petkovic
Six German women started in the European Open, only one is still there: Andrea Petkovic (34)!
The tournament ambassador beat the Japanese Misaki Doi (31) with 6.4, 6:3 and is in the quarterfinals. After the Petko dance, last year’s finalist said, “It was heated – metaphorically and on the court.”
Petkovic has been tormented by a “golfer’s elbow” since Wimbledon. “Absolute horror. Sometimes it’s completely gone, then a ball bounces wrong and the tendon is squeezed and I want to die.” But she can play with painkillers. And laughs: “In old age you have to live with pain.”
In the round of the last eight, she will meet world number two Anett Kontaveit (26/Estonia) on Thursday, who was only struggling with the heat in the 6:3, 7:6 against Irina Bara (27/Romania).
In the morning, the tired Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier (22) was knocked out 4: 6, 6: 0, 4: 6 against qualifier Joanne Zuger (21 / Switzerland). Sabine Lisicki (22/Berlin) lost 4:6, 2:6 against Aleksandra Krunic (29/Serbia).
