Tiafoe claims first ATP 500 title with all-American final win in Halle

All-American final

Frances Tiafoe, ranked 21st in the world, needed just 67 minutes to dispatch Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 and lift the trophy at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Westphalia. The 28-year-old converted his first match point, breaking serve once in each set. It was the first all-American final in the tournament’s 33-year history, and Tiafoe became the first US player to win the title. Last year the event was won by Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.

Milestone for Tiafoe

The victory gave Tiafoe his maiden ATP 500 trophy, adding a grass-court title to a resume that had previously peaked with ATP 250 wins. The result signals strong form ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on 29 June in London. Fritz, who lost the Stuttgart final to Ben Shelton the previous week, had beaten French Open champion Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.

Altmaier’s double disappointment

Local favourite Daniel Altmaier fell short in both the singles and doubles draws. In the doubles final, the 27-year-old from Kempen and Brazilian partner João Fonseca were beaten 6-7(2), 4-6 by French duo Théo Arribagé and Albano Olivetti. The champions fired 11 aces and did not face a break point. Altmaier had earlier lost his singles semifinal to eventual champion Tiafoe 1-6, 3-6, ending a surprise run.