Philipp Kohlschreiber has embarked on his coaching career with promising young tennis player Justin Engel. Last October, Engel became the first player born in 2007 or later to win an ATP Tour match, achieving this feat in Almaty. Following this achievement, Kohlschreiber joined Engel’s team. Since then, Engel has become the second-youngest player since 1990 to win a tour-level match on all three surfaces, a record only surpassed by Rafael Nadal.
Kohlschreiber expressed his satisfaction with working alongside Engel at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle. “I’ve been lucky enough, I would say,” he stated to ATPTour.com. He described Engel as determined and focused but acknowledged that sometimes he needs to help him pace himself.
Engel has competed as a wild card at several ATP Tour events in Germany this year, securing three wins. His performance has led him to achieve a career-high No. 219 in the PIF ATP Rankings ahead of his upcoming match against Learner Tien at the Mallorca Championships.
Kohlschreiber commented on Engel’s development: “He is a young player and I try to help him to learn as fast as possible the things we all went through.” He praised Engel’s love for tennis and interaction with fans at big tournaments.
The collaboration between rookie coach Kohlschreiber and rookie player Engel might seem unconventional, but Kohlschreiber brings significant experience from his own successful ATP Tour career. “He started very early on working his body in the gym, so he is physically very strong,” Kohlschreiber noted about Engel’s physical attributes.
Engel is part of a group of German teenagers making waves in tennis recently. In Munich, Diego Dedura became the first player born in 2008 or later to win an ATP Tour match, while Max Schoenhaus reached the Roland Garros boys’ final.
Kohlschreiber aims to balance keeping Engel grounded amid rising expectations while encouraging him to embrace his natural charisma on court. “He’s really still 17,” said Kohlschreiber about managing Engel’s youthful enthusiasm and growing social media presence.