How the German doubles conquer the US Open

Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz are going for the US Open title. On Saturday, the duo from Coburg and Frankfurt am Main have the chance to win their first Grand Slam doubles title. In a nerve-wracking thriller on Friday night, the two defeated the French Open winners Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic 6:3, 6:7 (9:11), 6:4. After 2 hours and 19 minutes of semi-final play, the final in New York this Saturday (6 p.m., Heaven) now the Australians Max Purcell/Jordan Thompson.

Krawietz’s story had the potential for a soap opera. For more than four years, the Coburg native seemed to have found happiness in his career with Andreas Mies. In August 2017, “KraMies” stood on the center court for the first time, ready to quickly go on the hunt for titles. Krawietz and Mies were quickly considered the best tennis doubles in Germany. The highlight of the showcase team: the French Open victories in 2019 and 2020.

Krawietz celebrated great success with Andreas Mies

Then the break. After a dry spell, Krawietz pulled the ripcord in 2022 and decided to break up the duo. The now 32-year-old wanted a fresh start. The divorced couple subsequently made a very conciliatory statement about the separation. Both denied rumors that there had been arguments in the background.

“After four unforgettable years, the time has now come to start a new chapter,” said Mies in an Instagram post. “What we have achieved together, no one can take away from us.” I am very grateful for our time together and I keep my fingers crossed for the future! It was an honor to fight by your side, partner.”

Krawietz replied: “I will remember many moments. I hope not to meet so many times, and if I do, then only in the final.” The decision was extremely difficult for him, it was like “breaking up.” “It was not a nice feeling. I think he was very disappointed – but Andreas did not react angrily. “He took it very professionally,” the Coburg native revealed at the time.

Career renaissance in the double cosmos

Krawietz decided to make a fresh start with his old friend Tim Pütz. “I want to be a little more consistent with Pützi,” said the Upper Franconian, explaining his choice of partner. The 32-year-old Krawietz and Pütz, who is four years older, know each other from their time together in the Davis Cup. “The Davis Cup matches meant that it was in the air. “We spoke on the phone and agreed that we should just try it,” said Krawietz.

The statistics confirmed this feeling. With a solid record of 40 wins and 16 losses this year, the duo was ranked 13th in the ATP doubles world rankings. It was not necessarily foreseeable that Krawietz’s courage to split up would pay off so much. But the good relationship between the Krawietz/Pütz duo catapulted them both to the highest heights late on. Arguments or stress on or off the court? None. “We are too professional at this level, it doesn’t help to shove one over the other when you’re angry.”

In New York, they are now just one win away from their big dream. Against the Australians Purcell/Thompson, who are ranked seventh, “KraPütz” think they have a realistic chance of winning the title and 750,000 US dollars in prize money. In any case, both will have to change their travel plans and extend their hotel stay again. After the final, Krawietz and Pütz will then travel to China to join the German Davis Cup team. Possibly as newly crowned Grand Slam winners.

Sportsbuzzer