Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz are facing the potential end of their successful doubles partnership after a grueling season that culminated in a runner-up finish at the US Open. Following their defeat in New York, 38-year-old Pütz revealed that he is strongly considering stepping away from full-time professional tennis next year, a move that would force his longtime partner to find a new teammate on the ATP Tour.
The German Davis Cup duo missed out on their first shared Grand-Slam title in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, falling 4:6, 6:7 (6:8) to the American-British pairing of Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski. Speaking after the championship match, Pütz outlined his shifting career priorities and the toll that a full competitive calendar has taken on his family life over more than a decade on tour.
“There is a good chance that I will no longer play full-time next year and that Kevin will have to look for a new partner,” Pütz told reporters in New York. While noting that his exact schedule remains flexible, the doubles specialist admitted he is slowly winding down his career. “I am slowly heading toward tennis retirement,” he said, adding that the decision is “not yet set in stone.”
The Human Cost of the Tour
For Pütz, the decision stems from a combination of age and personal reflection. Having spent his career traveling across the globe, the veteran competitor pointed directly to the sacrifices required to maintain a spot at the top of the men’s doubles rankings.
“I have sacrificed very many years of my life for tennis. We as a family have sacrificed a very large amount of time,” Pütz said. “Now we slowly have the feeling that we have sacrificed enough time and that I want to be at home.”
Krawietz acknowledged that the possibility of parting ways did not come as a surprise in the immediate aftermath of the US Open defeat. The pair share a strong bond built on years of representing Germany internationally and competing at elite tour events, highlighted by their victory at the ATP Finals in 2024.
“The topic didn’t just come up now. I’ve known about it for a while,” Krawietz said. “If Pützi eventually says he’s no longer playing a full calendar and only playing a reduced schedule, then I’ll look for a new partner.” Both players emphasized that their personal and professional relationship remains entirely untroubled despite the looming roster change.
The duo previously reached the US Open final in 2024, falling short of capturing a major trophy together. While Krawietz claimed two French Open titles earlier in his career alongside former partner Andreas Mies, and Pütz won the 2023 mixed doubles title in Paris with Japan’s Miyu Kato, a Grand-Slam men’s doubles crown as a team continues to elude them.
Next Steps on the Tour
With the North American hardcourt swing concluding in New York, Krawietz and Pütz are expected to evaluate their upcoming tournament commitments and national team obligations ahead of the autumn indoor season. Official updates regarding their participation in upcoming ATP events and the Davis Cup schedule will be announced through official tour channels as the calendar progresses.
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