The 31st TERRA WORTMANN OPEN have their first big surprise in the opening match: Wildcard player Dominik Koepfer put in a strong performance to defeat the eighth seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who had already reached the semi-finals in Halle in 2021. The 30-year-old German benefited from his opponent retiring at 6:4 and 4:3. However, Koepfer was the better player on Centre Court at this point and, after winning the first set, the man from the Black Forest was already one break ahead in the second set.
The impressive thing: Koepfer conceded virtually nothing on his own service. Auger-Aliassime, the world number 18, was unable to get into his return game at all, while Koepfer's variable serve and the left-hander's good angles spoilt the 23-year-old Canadian's afternoon.
Koepfer took his opponent's serve in the very first game of the day. The ATP world number 70 capitalised on the fourth break point and then continued to build on his lead, converting the first set point with an ace at 5:4.
Set two was similar. This time, Koepfer managed a break in the third game. The German even slipped away during the rally, but Auger-Aliassime was unable to get the ball into the court. Koepfer continued to serve confidently and was ready to serve for the match at 5:3. But Auger-Aliassime signalled to him that he was giving up. He had previously lost his balance a few times on the slippery court. Game, set and match victory for Koepfer.
"Everything was right today, I had good focus," said Koepfer. "If I had continued to serve so well, I would definitely have won the match." He simply feels comfortable on grass. "I've already had two long matches in Stuttgart, which was an advantage. I hope it continues like this for me." The German wished Auger-Aliassime all the best. "I don't think he has anything serious and will be back on court soon."
