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The Unconventional Serve

An in-depth exploration of the career and unique moments of German professional tennis player Karsten Braasch.

Explore Career 👇 Key Moments

Career Overview

German Professional

Karsten Braasch, born on July 14, 1967, is a former German professional tennis player. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 38 on June 13, 1994, and a doubles ranking of World No. 36 by November 10, 1997. His professional career spanned from 1987 to 2005, during which he secured six ATP doubles titles and reached one ATP singles final.

Professional Trajectory

Braasch turned professional in 1987, initially competing on the ATP Challenger Tour. He made his ATP main draw debut in 1989 and recorded his first ATP main draw win later that year. He broke into the top 100 singles rankings in March 1992, a significant milestone that coincided with his Grand Slam debut at the 1992 French Open.

Playing Style and Habits

Known for his distinctive service motion, Braasch was a left-handed player who utilized a one-handed backhand. He was also notably recognized for his unconventional habit of smoking cigarettes during changeovers, a practice that set him apart in the professional circuit and contributed to his unique persona.

Singles Performance

Career Singles Record

Braasch's professional singles career record stands at 68 wins and 96 losses. While he did not capture any ATP singles titles, he reached the final of the 1994 Ordina Open, where he was defeated by Richard Krajicek. This performance propelled him to his career-high ranking of World No. 38.

Grand Slam Singles

His most successful Grand Slam singles campaigns saw him reach the third round on two occasions: at the 1993 US Open and the 1997 Australian Open. In the latter, he notably defeated the 12th seed Magnus Gustafsson en route to the third round, a performance that saw his ranking jump significantly.

Doubles Dominance

Title Triumphs

In doubles, Braasch achieved greater success, amassing a career record of 103 wins and 128 losses. He secured six ATP doubles titles throughout his career. His partnership with Michael Stich for the 1997 Halle Open victory marked his first ATP doubles title, followed by wins with various partners including Jens Knippschild and Sargis Sargsian.

International Success

Braasch's doubles titles were spread across different surfaces and tournaments, including the Halle Open (Grass), Swedish Open (Clay), Salem Open (Hard), Milan Indoor (Carpet), Estoril Open (Clay), and Romanian Open (Clay). His consistent performances in doubles led him to a career-high ranking of World No. 36.

Memorable Moments

Battle of the Sexes

Perhaps his most widely recalled match was the "Battle of the Sexes" contest at the 1998 Australian Open. Ranked World No. 203 at the time, Braasch famously defeated both Venus and Serena Williams in single-set matches, with scores of 6-1 against Serena and 6-2 against Venus. This event highlighted his competitive spirit, even against the emerging stars of the sport.

The exhibition match was organized amidst discussions about equal prize money and the perceived differences in skill between male and female players. Braasch, described by one journalist as having a training regimen centered around cigarettes and lager, was considered the underdog. However, his focused play and the sisters' relative inexperience at the time led to his decisive victories, adding a unique chapter to tennis lore.

Encounters with Legends

Braasch also had notable encounters with some of the era's top players. He faced World No. 1 Andre Agassi in the first round of the 1995 French Open, and later that year, competed against World No. 2 Pete Sampras at Wimbledon. While he lost both matches in straight sets (Agassi) or four sets (Sampras), these appearances underscore his presence on the elite tour.

Personal Insights

Early Start and NBA Fandom

Braasch began his tennis journey at the age of six. Off the court, he is an avid fan of the National Basketball Association (NBA), with the Charlotte Hornets being his favored team. This interest in a different sport reflects a broader engagement with athletic competition.

Self-Awareness of Serve

With a touch of self-deprecating humor, Braasch often commented on his unorthodox serve motion, stating, "When I see my serve on TV, I have to laugh at myself. As long as it is effective, I don't have to change anything." This perspective highlights his pragmatic approach to his game and his ability to not take himself too seriously.

Post-Retirement Activities

Following his retirement from professional tennis in 2005, Braasch continued to participate in senior tennis circuits. He achieved a notable ranking of No. 3 in the senior circuit by 2017, demonstrating his enduring connection to the sport.

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References

References

  1.  "Karsten Braasch ATP rankings History", ATPWorldTour.com
A full list of references for this article are available at the Karsten Braasch Wikipedia page

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