Dominik Koepfer on Fire: Storms into Round of 16 at Miami Masters

Dominik Koepfer fired a final backhand over the net, then screamed his emotions into the Miami night. With the next sparkling clean performance, the 29-year-old stormed into the round of 16 of an ATP Masters for the first time since 2021, where Daniil Medvedev is now waiting. Actually an overpowering opponent – but Koepfer can be trusted a lot these days.

The 3:6, 6:4, 6:3 over the world number 15. Ugo Humbert from France was as convincing as he was logical – because in round one, Koepfer had already made short work of a top 20 player, the Argentinian Sebastian Baez. Koepfer is at his best these days near his adopted home of Tampa.

Shortly after graduating from high school in 2012, he moved to the USA at the age of 18. At Tulane University in New Orleans, Koepfer worked the college courts for years – and even afterwards he didn’t want to return to his home in the Black Forest.

Koepfer told the tennis magazine at the beginning of the year that he “never really received any support” from the German Tennis Association (DTB): “That’s why I decided to do my own thing in the USA.” However, injuries repeatedly set him back.

Koepfer wants to surprise Medvedev

But Koepfer was never discouraged and will be rewarded for his persistent work this season. Koepfer impressed in the Davis Cup with the DTB team, which now appreciates the qualities of the strong left-hander, as well as at the Australian Open.

There he marched to the semifinals in doubles with Yannick Hanfmann and annoyed Alexander Zverev in singles.

And now the highs at the prestigious Masters in Miami. After the two smaller surprises against the top 20 players, will the big one follow against the in-form Medvedev?

In a direct comparison, Koepfer is (still) 0-2 behind, a win over the Melbourne finalist would probably be the biggest of his career. And would catapult him into new spheres near the top 40 in the ATP rankings.

Only powerless in the tiebreak: Koepfer demands everything from Rune

2024-03-25 13:27:00
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