Altmaier in Halle Last 16 – Zverev begins on Tuesday

Alongside Altmaier, the 18-year-old Max Schönhaus from Soest also drew attention after receiving a wild card into the main draw. However, he lost his first-round match against the American Learner Tien clearly, 2-6, 4-6. Schönhaus had failed in qualifying in Halle the previous year, making his main-draw appearance a further step in his development.

Zverev starts Tuesday against Kopřiva

The focus of German tennis fans now turns to Alexander Zverev. The 29-year-old Hamburg native, who won the French Open on Sunday, enters the tournament on Tuesday. In the first round, he faces Czech player Vít Kopřiva. Zverev will also play doubles in Halle alongside his long-time friend Marcelo Melo of Brazil.

Zverev has not won the Halle tournament in his career to date. Speaking to journalists on site, he expressed the desire to one day claim this title: „Ich möchte hoffentlich auch diesen Titel irgendwann mal gewinnen.“ The statement underscores the importance of the Westphalian grass-court classic for the Hamburg native, who is simultaneously using the event as Wimbledon preparation.

Halle as a Wimbledon tune-up

The Terra Wortmann Open is regarded as one of the most important preparation tournaments for the grass Grand Slam at Wimbledon. This year, the Grand Slam is scheduled from 29 June to 12 July. For the German players, Halle therefore offers the chance to gain match practice ahead of the highlight of the grass season and to further develop their rankings.

The tournament in Halle, Westphalia, has over the years established a firm place on the international tennis calendar. On the fast grass in the East Westphalian city of Halle, surprise results occur frequently, as the short preparation time on the surface allows only few professionals to adapt optimally. Altmaier appears to have made the most of this circumstance and to be heading into the next round with confidence.

In the coming days, the further rounds in Halle will be played. Should Altmaier carry his rhythm from the first-round match into the next outing, he has a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Zverev, meanwhile, will make his bow on Tuesday, and German fans hope that the newly crowned French Open champion will find his footing in the tournament without any warm-up time.