DTB youngster Schönhaus is forced to bow out early

German rising star Max Schönhaus suffered an early defeat in his first main-draw appearance at the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN. The teenager lost decisively to Learner Tien, who is just two years his senior, 2-6, 4-6. The American, who reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open earlier this year, left no doubt about his status as the favorite throughout the match.

In the tournament’s first main draw match, Schönhaus and Tien took to the already well-filled heristo-Arena under a closed roof on Monday morning due to changeable weather. The German, who had received a wild card, showed signs of nervousness, particularly in the early stages of the match.

Numerous unforced errors in the first quarter-hour made life easy for the American. Tien then converted his break point in the first game of the match with a spectacular backhand passing shot. Two games later, the 20-year-old demonstrated the same skill on the forehand side to earn his next break point. Only 13 minutes had elapsed when Tien converted to make it 4-0.

With the crowd’s loud support, Schönhaus finally started to find his rhythm. His first game win was met with thunderous applause. However, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback in the first set. After just 27 minutes, Tien converted his first set point to take the set 6–2.

The DTB youngster managed to make the second set much closer. With the score tied at 1-1, he showed nerves of steel, fending off four break points and distinguishing himself with several strong points. A few games later, however, the moment arrived: in the seventh game, Schönhaus fell behind 0-40. He fended off the first two break points with good serves, but on the third, a forehand sailed wide.

The favorite didn’t let the lead slip away. On his own serve, he confidently closed out the set 6-4, converting his first match point. In the second round, the American will now face either Nuno Borges or the second-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.