German Teenager Justin Engel makes history: Youngest since Rafa Nadal with wins on all three surfaces

German prodigy Justin Engel was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 Stuttgart Open, but he achieved a remarkable feat by securing two victories on grass courts. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest player to win an ATP match on all three surfaces since Rafael Nadal in 2003.

The World No. 281 entered the tournament thanks to a wildcard and made the most of it. He defeated James Duckworth in a tight debut match that was decided in a fifth-set tie-break (4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5)). The surprise was even greater when he eliminated 7th seed Alex Michelsen (No. 35) in straight sets in the round of 16.

Engel secured a ranking jump of almost 50 spots after reaching his first ATP 250 quarterfinals. This morning, he faced 4th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 27) and put up a good fight before falling 6-7, 6-3.

Nevertheless, the German leaves the tournament with a remarkable record: he's the youngest player to achieve victories on all surfaces since Rafa Nadal in 2003. On that occasion, Nadal arrived at Wimbledon as World No. 75 and achieved consecutive wins to reach the third round, at just 17 years and one month old. Nadal defeated Croatian Mario Ancic in his debut and then local wildcard Lee Childs, before falling in the third round to 12th seed Paradorn Srichaphan.

The German joins the new wave of tennis players and emerges as the future of the sport. At 17 years and 8 months old (2007 generation), there is no player of his age or younger who is higher in the rankings. The most prominent player close to his age would be World No. 57 Joao Fonseca (18 years old, 2006 category).