Tennis enthusiasts were disappointed as German hopeful Jan-Lennard Struff fell ill, forcing him to withdraw from the tennis tournament in Stuttgart. This setback was not the only blow for the event organizers. The previous year’s finalist’s title chances were dashed even before stepping onto the court, overshadowing the hope for a weekend finale with German participation in singles.
Adding to the disappointment was the quarter-final exit of defending champion Frances Tiafoe, who was defeated by the sixth-seeded Briton Jack Draper after rain delays disrupted the match. These unexpected outcomes set the stage for an intriguing semifinal match between Draper and American Brandon Nakashima, a match Struff was unable to compete in due to his illness. The other semifinal match featured Italians Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Musetti, both eager to advance to the final.
Struff had shown promising form in the initial days of the tournament, building on his strong performances from the previous year. His recent ATP Tour title win in Munich had boosted his confidence, but his illness in Stuttgart halted his momentum, leaving fans disappointed.
The tournament had already faced setbacks, with top players like Alexander Zverev, Hubert Hurkacz, and Taylor Fritz withdrawing for various reasons, affecting the overall competitiveness of the field. Zverev, despite a successful French Open campaign, felt unprepared for grass-court tennis, opting to begin his Wimbledon preparations in Halle.
As the tournament unfolded, fans eagerly awaited the outcome of the matches, while organizers expressed their regret over the unexpected turn of events. The focus now shifts to the upcoming matches and the eventual crowning of the Stuttgart champion, as players strive to overcome challenges and secure victory on the court.