Justin Engel dominated the DTB Champions Race for men. The 18-year-old took first place both in the overall ranking and in the U21 category. For his success, Engel will receive a bonus of 7,000 euros as well as a wildcard for an ATP Challenger tournament in the 125 category or higher. The 18-year-old earned 139 points in seven tournaments. This puts him 36 points ahead of second-placed Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in the overall standings. Tom Gentzsch came third with 86 points in five tournaments
Since Engel – analogous to Bennemann – receives the higher-ranked bonus, Jamie Mackenzie takes the top spot in the U21 category. The 17-year-old had 60 points from seven tournaments. He is followed by Diego Dedura-Palomero (54 points) and Max Schönhaus (49 points).
TOP 3 men overall:
1. Justin Engel (also U21 winner, but only receives the higher-ranked bonus, €7,000 + wildcard ATP Challenger 125 or higher)
2. Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (5,000 €)
3. Tom Gentzsch (€2,500)
TOP 3 Herren U21:
1. Jamie Mackenzie (€5,500 + WC for ATP Challenger)
2. Diego Dedura-Palomero (€3,000)
3. Max Schönhaus (€2,000)
„With the DTB Champions Race, which we implemented for the first time this year as a replacement for the German Championships, in addition to honoring the best players of the season, we also want to strengthen the German tournament landscape. It is particularly important to us that our players in Germany have a variety of tournament opportunities and take advantage of them. We are pleased that the race was positively received by our players this year with numerous participations in the German tournaments and that we can recognize the outstanding achievements of the respective TOP 3,” said DTB board member Veronika Rücker.
Since this year, the DTB Champions Race has replaced the German Championships. The DTB is thus combining its national tournament series DTB Internationals and DTB Premium Tour in a common points race. Based on the new points ranking, the best players of 2025 were determined for the first time at the end of December. The three best placed in each category received cash bonuses and – depending on their placement – wild cards at German tournaments, which the responsible national coaches decide on.
The results of German players from around 100 tournaments per year are included in the DTB Champions Race. A maximum of twelve results will be counted, with the events with the highest points being decisive. The prerequisite for inclusion in the ranking is at least three relevant tournament results. The highest scores can be achieved in ATP Challenger tournaments in the 125 category and in WTA 125 events.
Further information about the DTB Champions Race and the top ten can be found here.
