ATP-Challenger: Rudi Molleker crowns sensational run with Challenger title in Heilbronn

Rudolf Molleker won his first title on the ATP-Challenger-Tour. The 17-year-old German, who started the 85,000 euro sand court tournament with a wildcard, defeated the Czech Jiri Vesely 4:6, 6:4, 7:5 in the final, who was seeded second and in the end it was a point and a break that made the difference.

In front of well-attended ranks at Trappensee, Molleker increasingly found his way into the match after a rather nervous start. The blond head fired eleven aces at the 24-year-old left-hander and was wide awake in the decisive situations. This was also the case in the 12th game of the final set, when Molleker turned his first match point and dropped to his knees for joy.

“It’s an indescribable feeling to be able to celebrate my first Challenger title at home in front of my home crowd and my family,” the teenager said happily afterwards. The marks of his emotional victory pose were still clearly visible through the red ashes.

“I knew it would be a tough one. I fought back well and didn’t let external conditions influence me either,” Molleker explained his first victory over a top 100 player on a wet ground on Sunday afternoon. “That was my best win so far and I’m happy to end the week with the title.”

At the age of 17 years and 6 months Molleker is the youngest German since Alexander Zverev, who won a title on the ATP-Challenger-Tour. Sascha managed the feat at the age of 17 years and 2 months in Braunschweig in 2014.

“I wasn’t aware of that. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are. It’s just nice to win a title here. It’s not for nothing that the tournament was named the best challenger in the world.”

In addition to Felix Auger-Aliassime and Nicola Kuhn, Molleker is also one of the Challenger winners of the 2000 vintage.

“We all still know each other quite well. Nico and I also played together in a team for Germany. Both are top players and they will definitely make it into the top 100. I am happy to be able to follow,” the champion smiled.

Molleker will also receive prize money of 12,250 euros and 100 ATP world ranking points. Important equipment and door openers for further tasks.

“With the futures in Antalya I have finished my ITF Pro Circuit season and will focus on the Challengers in the future. Now we have to fight our way through the qualifications there. “Of course, no one could have expected it to come like this.”

Molleker will be competing with the juniors in Roland-Garros during the second Paris week before he will probably go to Vicenza. The DTB might also have a wildcard or two for a larger event. He was able to make an excellent business card with the success this week.

Tonight, however, the Ukrainian born has another important appointment first. “I have a 9:00 p.m. flight to Berlin. My brother is celebrating his birthday today – and I think we may now have another occasion for the party,” Molleker was pleased to say.