Niels McDonald achieved a historic victory for Germany at Roland Garros, winning the boys’ singles title. The final was an all-German affair, with McDonald facing compatriot Max Schoenhaus. Despite losing the first set, McDonald rallied to win 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-3 in a match lasting one hour and forty minutes.
“It’s an honour because probably a lot of legends have won this,” said McDonald, who became the third German player to win this title and the first since Daniel Elsner in 1997. He expressed that it was “just one step of a big goal and dream” he has been pursuing since childhood.
After his victory, McDonald’s coach Gianluca Marchiori received heartfelt thanks from his pupil. “I’m really grateful to have him by my side,” McDonald said. Marchiori is taking a break as he is about to become a father.
Germany’s national junior coach Philipp Petzschner praised both finalists’ performances but noted he had promised them freedom with his hair if they reached the final. Both players took him up on this promise, resulting in Petzschner having his head shaved.
Schoenhaus started strong with his single-handed backhand but eventually succumbed to McDonald’s determination. Reflecting on his performance, McDonald stated: “I lost the first set pretty close… then I just told myself… we put even more energy in.”
In other results at Roland Garros, Finland’s Oskari Paldanius and Alan Wazny won the boys’ doubles final against Americans Noah Johnston and Benjamin Willwerth with scores of 6-2, 6-3.