Struff Looks Ahead to Facing Defending Champion at «Amazing» Almaty
As the oldest player remaining in the draw, 35-year-old German Jan Lennard Struff comes to Almaty riding some confidence. He reached the round of 16 at the US Open, recording Top 20 wins over Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe, and continued his momentum in his tournament debut on Wednesday, defeating American Mackenzie McDonald, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, on his tournament debut.
McDonald had recently played a challenger final in Jinan, China, and entered the match with confidence. He raced out to an early lead, but Struff was able to turn the tides to earn his 14th win of the season.
«I felt like he was playing very well,» Struff said. «He took a lot of confidence from last week, I felt. He's an amazing player. And it was a very tough match.
«I was very happy I was able to come back after the first set and saving break points the first game [of the second set], and then I managed to find good rhythm. I served at a high percentage today, which was very important here in altitude.»
Struff’s victory sets up a night session showdown on Thursday with Almaty’s defending champion Karen Khachanov.
Struff has faced the world No.10 four times at tour-level, coming away with one win. But that one win was played on an indoor hard court.
«It's gonna be a tough match,» Struff said. «I know I need to play good tennis tomorrow. We played a couple of matches, very, very close ones, intense ones. I know that he's an amazing player. He has a lot of energy. He has a lot of power in his game.
«Me too. I have a lot of power in the game. So there won't be that many slow balls in this game, I believe.»
Struff would like to prolong his stay in Almaty for as long as possible. He told reporters that he is thrilled to visit the mountain town for the first time, and loves the picturesque scenery.
«It’s an amazing tournament for me, and it’s my first time in Kazakhstan, and Almaty,» he said.
«Everything is great. The surroundings, the hotel is amazing, with great food. The view of the mountains is amazing as well, in the trees you can see it is autumn here, and still the sun is out during the day. I haven’t seen the Center Court yet – I need to prepare there for [tomorrow’s match with Khachanov] – but everyone is welcoming, it’s an amazing tournament, with great facilities.»
McDonald had recently played a challenger final in Jinan, China, and entered the match with confidence. He raced out to an early lead, but Struff was able to turn the tides to earn his 14th win of the season.
«I felt like he was playing very well,» Struff said. «He took a lot of confidence from last week, I felt. He's an amazing player. And it was a very tough match.
«I was very happy I was able to come back after the first set and saving break points the first game [of the second set], and then I managed to find good rhythm. I served at a high percentage today, which was very important here in altitude.»
Struff’s victory sets up a night session showdown on Thursday with Almaty’s defending champion Karen Khachanov.
Struff has faced the world No.10 four times at tour-level, coming away with one win. But that one win was played on an indoor hard court.
«It's gonna be a tough match,» Struff said. «I know I need to play good tennis tomorrow. We played a couple of matches, very, very close ones, intense ones. I know that he's an amazing player. He has a lot of energy. He has a lot of power in his game.
«Me too. I have a lot of power in the game. So there won't be that many slow balls in this game, I believe.»
Struff would like to prolong his stay in Almaty for as long as possible. He told reporters that he is thrilled to visit the mountain town for the first time, and loves the picturesque scenery.
«It’s an amazing tournament for me, and it’s my first time in Kazakhstan, and Almaty,» he said.
«Everything is great. The surroundings, the hotel is amazing, with great food. The view of the mountains is amazing as well, in the trees you can see it is autumn here, and still the sun is out during the day. I haven’t seen the Center Court yet – I need to prepare there for [tomorrow’s match with Khachanov] – but everyone is welcoming, it’s an amazing tournament, with great facilities.»
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24.11.2025
KTF press-service
14.11.2025
KTF press-service
