Karsten Braasch
Karsten Braasch (born 14 July 1967) is a German former professional tennis player. His highest ATP singles ranking was World No. 38, which he reached in June 1994. His career-high in doubles was World No. 36, achieved in November 1997.[1] He was well-noted for his service motion and his habit of smoking during changeovers.
 Karsten Braasch in 1987 | |
| Country (sports) |  Germany |
|---|---|
| Residence | Ratingen, Germany |
| Born | 14 July 1967 Marl, Germany |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Turned pro | 1987 |
| Retired | 2005 |
| Plays | Left-handed (one-handed backhand) |
| Prize money | $1,497,244 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 68–96 (at ATP Tour-level, Grand Slam-level, and in Davis Cup) |
| Career titles | 0 |
| Highest ranking | No. 38 (13 June 1994) |
| Grand Slam Singles results | |
| Australian Open | 3R (1997) |
| French Open | 1R (1992, 1994, 1995) |
| Wimbledon | 2R (1992, 1994) |
| US Open | 3R (1993) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 103–128 (at ATP Tour-level, Grand Slam-level, and in Davis Cup) |
| Career titles | 6 |
| Highest ranking | No. 36 (10 November 1997) |
| Grand Slam Doubles results | |
| Australian Open | 3R (2001, 2004) |
| French Open | QF (1997, 2004) |
| Wimbledon | 2R (1998, 1999, 2002) |
| US Open | 2R (1998) |
| Mixed doubles | |
| Career record | 7–7 |
| Career titles | 0 |
| Grand Slam Mixed Doubles results | |
| French Open | 3R (1997) |
| Wimbledon | 3R (1997, 2001) |
Braasch competed in a "Battle of the Sexes" contest against the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) at the 1998 Australian Open when he was ranked 203. Braasch was described by one journalist as "a man whose training regime centred around a pack of cigarettes and more than a couple bottles of ice cold lager".[2] He nonetheless defeated both sisters, playing a single set against each, beating Serena 6–1 and Venus 6–2.[3] Braasch was thirty years old at the time, while Venus and Serena were seventeen and sixteen, respectively.
Career finals
Singles: 1 (1 loss)
| Legend (Singles) |
| Grand Slam (0) |
| Tennis Masters Cup (0) |
| ATP Masters Series (0) |
| ATP Tour (1) |
| Result | W/L | Date | Tournament | Surface | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 0–1 | Jun 1994 | Rosmalen, Netherlands | Grass |  Richard Krajicek |
3–6, 4–6 |
Doubles: 9 (6 wins, 3 losses)
| Result | W/L | Date | Tournament | Surface | Partner | Opponents | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 1. | Jun 1997 | Gerry Weber Open | Grass | Michael Stich |
 David Adams Marius Barnard |
7–6, 6–3 |
| Win | 2. | Jul 2001 | Catella Swedish Open | Clay | Jens Knippschild |
 Simon Aspelin.svg.png.webp){kind=small} Andrew Kratzmann |
7–6(7–3), 4–6, 7–6(7–5) |
| Win | 3. | Sep 2001 | Salem Open | Hard |  André Sá |
 Petr Luxa Radek Štepánek |
6–0, 7–5 |
| Win | 4. | Feb 2002 | Milan Indoor | Carpet |  Andrei Olhovskiy |
 Julien Boutter Max Mirnyi |
3–6, 7–6(7–5), [12–10] |
| Win | 5. | Apr 2002 | Estoril Open | Clay | Andrei Olhovskiy |
Simon Aspelin Andrew Kratzmann |
6–3, 6–3 |
| Win | 6. | Sep 2003 | BCR Open Romania | Clay |  Sargis Sargsian |
Simon Aspelin Jeff Coetzee |
7–6(9–7), 6–2 |
| Loss | 1. | Apr 1997 | Salem Open | Hard |  Jeff Tarango |
Martin Damm Daniel Vacek |
3–6, 4–6 |
| Loss | 2. | May 1997 | BMW Open | Clay | Jens Knippschild |
 Pablo Albano Àlex Corretja |
6–3, 5–7, 2–6 |
| Loss | 3. | Oct 1997 | Basel | Carpet (i) | Jim Grabb |
 Tim Henman Marc Rosset |
6–7, 7–6, 6–7 |
References
- "Karsten Braasch ATP Rankings History", ATPWorldTour.com
- "Serena Williams still savouring Andy Roddick 'win' 16 years on", OnTennis.com, posted 22 January 2009
- "Sister act falls in Battle of Sexes, The Free Lance-Star – 27 January 1998
External links
- Karsten Braasch at the Association of Tennis Professionals
- Karsten Braasch at the International Tennis Federation
- Karsten Braasch at the Davis Cup