Philip Henning, the 24-year-old tennis sensation from Coppini Tennis Academy, is making waves in the world of professional tennis. Despite failing to qualify for the main draw at Challengers in Lugano last week, Henning demonstrated unwavering resilience by showcasing an impressive performance at the Thionville Open.
In the first qualifying round, he faced Japan’s Kaito Uesugi. The match, which lasted an hour and 39 minutes, ended in Henning’s favour with a score of 6-4, 7-6. Henning, commendably, managed to accumulate 14 points more than Uesugi, proving his excellent form and skill in the game.
Despite facing four break points and surrendering his serve three times, Henning remained undeterred. He showed remarkable efficiency, securing 45% of the return points and landing four breaks from ten opportunities, thus demonstrating his ability to create chances even under pressure.
In the second set, Uesugi initially led 4-0 and 5-2 and served for it in game nine. However, he missed two set points, which Henning capitalized on to secure the set in a tie break.
Henning’s prowess is not just limited to the Thionville Open. The South African third seed also recently clinched his spot in the men’s final at the Curro Centre Court Series in Stellenbosch (Week 1). He earned this position after a riveting 7-6(3), 6-4 triumph over fellow South African and second seed Kris van Wyk in the semifinals.
In the match against Uesugi, Henning took an early lead by capitalizing on his opponent’s backhand error in the first game. He managed to secure two fine holds and quickly established a 3-1 lead. In game five, Henning further extended his lead by breaking Uesugi’s serve.
Despite facing a few setbacks, including a forehand error and losing his serve in game six, Henning maintained his composure. He served for the opener again in game ten and held at love after Uesugi’s mistake, rounding off the first set in just 34 minutes.
The second set began with Uesugi denying two break points. However, he returned the favour in the next game, capitalizing on Henning’s forehand error to take a 2-0 lead. Despite being two breaks down in the fourth game, Henning made a comeback by pulling one break back in game five and holding his next two service games.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. In game nine, Uesugi served for the set and saved two break points. However, Henning, showcasing his fighting spirit, denied the set points and continued to battle.
Using his skill and precision, Henning seized the fourth break point with a crafty forehand crosscourt winner, reducing the gap to 5-4. He then painted a backhand down the line winner in game ten for a hold and 5-5, pushing the set into a tie break.
Feeling the pressure, Uesugi faltered, and Henning seized the opportunity. Scoring a smash winner at the net in the third point and capitalizing on Uesugi’s forehand error in the next, he took a 3-1 lead. Henning continued to extend the gap and fired two service winners for 6-1 and five match points, eventually winning the match.
With this victory, Henning has made a promising start to the Thionville Open, raising hopes for an even more impressive performance in the second round. His determination and skill make him a player to watch in the future. His journey serves as a testament to his potential and his unwavering commitment to the sport.