Gerry Weber Open: John Isner has to cancel start, Rudi Molleker gets third wildcard

The German young talent Rudi Molleker can look forward to a wildcard at the ATP-500 tournament in Halle Westfalen. US-Star John Isner has to cancel his start at the Gerry Weber Open.

John Isner (ATP 10) had to cancel his participation in the 26th GERRY WEBER OPEN. The 33-year-old American suffers from a right knee injury that makes his participation in Germany’s largest ATP grass court event impossible.

“I’m more than disappointed I can’t start in Halle. I was really looking forward to my premiere,” says Isner. “I now hope to compete at the Gerry Weber Open next year.”

Isner, who is regarded as one of the strongest players in world tennis, expressly decided a few weeks ago in favour of Halle and against other tournaments, says tournament director Ralf Weber: “I regret that this injury prevents John’s participation. But his recovery has priority, of course.”

ATP NextGen Champion Hyeon Chung from South Korea (ATP 20) and Russia’s young star Andrey Rublev (ATP 31) also had to withdraw from the ATP competition in Halle-Westphalia. Chung continues to suffer from an ankle injury that has forced him to cancel several tournaments in recent weeks, including the French Open. According to ATP, Rublev cannot start in Halle-Westfalen because of a backstroke.

The Hungarian Marton Fucsovics (ATP 46) and local hero Jan-Lennard Struff (ATP 65) are now moving into the main field. Fucsovics surprised before the French Open by winning the ATP tournament in Geneva, where he defeated Peter Gojowczyk in the final. The wild card originally intended for Struff receives super talent Rudolf “Rudi” Molleker (ATP 303).

The 17-year-old from Oranienburg recently experienced his first spectacular career moment as champion of the ATP-Challengers in Heilbronn. “Rudi Molleker is one of the great hopes for the next generation in German tennis. With the wild card we honor his strong performances of the last months”, says tournament director Ralf Weber, “we have always offered young players, especially from Germany, a platform to gain important experiences.