“I’ve waited so long!” Struff wins maiden title at home in Munich, defeats Fritz
The rain was falling in a chilly Munich, but the celebrations were red hot
Jan-Lennard Struff wins the title in Munich
Jan-Lennard Struff won his first-ever career singles title and did it in style in front of a fervent home crowd, beating Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-2 in Munich.
Struff had reached three singles finals before and lost them all – two of which were also in Germany, including last year in Stuttgart against Frances Tiafoe, when he dropped match point.
It looked like he was about to miss his chance again when he was broken to love when serving for the match.
But he broke the Fritz serve right back, smashing from the net to seize championship point – and setting off wild and emotional celebrations among his camp.
“Unbelievable,” he said afterwards. “To do it on home soil is just incredible. I’ve waited so long. I’m 33 years old, playing so long on tour. It’s just an amazing feeling to do it here.”
He is also the third oldest first-time champion on the ATP Tour, turning 34 this coming Thursday.
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