Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber won the final of the Halle Open on Sunday 7-6 (7/5), 2-0 after compatriot Philipp Petzschner was forced to retire with a back injury.
Petschner suffered the injury while hitting a shot with the scores poised at 5-5 in the first set and received court-side treatment.
He grimaced noticeably and although he labored on, it was clear early in the second set that he could not continue.
Photo: Reuters
On Saturday, the 27-year-old had set up the first all-German final on the ATP World Tour since 2004 when he defeated second-seed Tomas Berdych in three sets, while Kohlschreiber booked his place in the final by beating France’s Gael Monfils.
There had been great expectations for the final between the two Davis Cup teammates, with Petzschner ranked No. 71 in the world, while Kohlschreiber is currently ranked No. 49.
However, in the end, Kohlschreiber had relatively little to do in order to pick up the winner’s check of 750,000 euros (US$1.08 million).
“It is a damned pity that Philipp could not play on. It is a shame for the fans, but you could see he was really suffering,” Kohlschreiber said. “I am very satisfied with my performance throughout the tournament, but it is always a shame when you win because of an opponent’s injury. I hope Phil will be fit again soon.”
This was Kohlschreiber’s third ATP title and the first time he has won at Halle. He had previously reached the 2008 final when he was beaten by Roger Federer.
“With the score at 5-5 in the first set, I felt a few pains in my back — then it got worse,” Petzschner said.
He was treated by a physiotherapist after the first set, but to no avail.
“The muscle just got tighter and tighter and it wasn’t easy to move anymore, but I think that I will be fit again [for Wimbledon],” the 27-year-old added.
With Halle set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in June next year, the organizers are hoping to lure top names Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to the small town for next year’s special tournament.
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