Shanghai Masters: Krawietz/Pütz Fall Short in the Quarterfinals

Their title defense is over: Kevin Krawietz of Coburg and his doubles partner Tim Pütz were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters in Shanghai. The top German doubles team lost to the French pair Albano Olivetti and Théo Arribagé, 4-6, 4-6.

In a match that was evenly matched for long stretches, single breaks decided the outcome of each set. In both the first and second sets, the French pair consistently capitalized on their opportunities at 3–3 and then confidently defended their lead to win the set.Olivetti and Arribagé dominated the match, particularly with their serve.

Eleven aces and an impressive 89 percent winning percentage on first serves left the Germans with hardly any chance to mount a defense. Krawietz and Pütz managed only four aces and could find no answer to their opponents’ powerful serve.

Thus, the tournament ends for last year’s champions as early as the quarterfinals. In addition to missing out on a spot in the semifinals, Krawietz and Pütz will also lose valuable world ranking points after having won the title in Shanghai last year.

For the player from Coburg and his partner from Frankfurt, the quarterfinal exit leaves them with the realization that an extremely efficient French doubles team made the difference on this day. Their title defense has failed, but the next opportunities to secure a top spot on the ATP Tour will come in the coming weeks.