Max Schoenhaus emerged as a notable figure at the Roland Garros boys’ singles tournament on Monday, following his victory over No. 15 seed Jan Kumstat with scores of 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. The German player received warm congratulations from fans and fellow competitors after his hard-fought win.
Schoenhaus, 17, has consistently participated in high-level junior tournaments and values the connections he has made throughout his career. “It’s really, really good to keep the connections. I mean, I can say that with almost everyone, I’m good friends,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of camaraderie among players on the junior tour.
Known for his one-handed backhand and all-court game, Schoenhaus is also the reigning Wimbledon boys’ doubles champion. Against Kumstat, he executed decisive service breaks late in both the first and final sets. Reflecting on their long-standing rivalry since under-14s competitions, Schoenhaus remarked on Kumstat’s talent and expressed satisfaction with his own strategic execution during their match.
Schoenhaus enjoys competing at Roland Garros, a venue he has visited since childhood with his parents. During his stay in Paris, he witnessed Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph from his hotel room and expressed enthusiasm for being in the city.
The young German looks up to Italian player Lorenzo Musetti for inspiration. Musetti’s use of a one-handed backhand resonates with Schoenhaus’s style of play. “I really look up to Museti at the moment,” Schoenhaus said, noting Musetti’s balance between lifestyle and tennis.
Other significant results in the boys’ singles tournament included victories by No. 2 seed Jacopo Vasami over Jamie Mackenzie and No. 1 seed Andres Santamarta Roig against Pierluigi Basille. American Jack Kennedy advanced in his opening match while Yannick Theodor Alexandrescou secured a win against Linus Lagerbohm.
French wildcard Pierre Antoine Faut also delighted local fans with a win over Luis Guto Miguel and is set to face Schoenhaus next.