Philipp Kohlschreiber won the Halle grasscourt tournament after his fellow German Philipp Petzschner retired with a back problem.
First title for world number 49 for three years
Philipp Kohlschreiber won the Halle grasscourt tournament on Sunday after his fellow German Philipp Petzschner retired with a back problem.
The 71st-ranked Petzschner called time on the first all-German final in the event's 19-year history while trailing 7-6 2-0.
That handed world number 49 Kohlschreiber his first singles title since Auckland in 2008.
A finalist in 2008, Kohlschreiber is the fifth German champion in Halle, following Michael Stich (1994), Nicolas Kiefer (1999), David Prinosil (2000) and Tommy Haas (2009).
Sun-drenched
Petzschner lost a highly competitive first set, with neither player looking likely to drop their serve. Fans on the sun-drenched centre court had to wait 11 games to see the first break point when Kohlschreiber fired a stunning return. However, he failed to convert it and the set went to the tiebreak.
After Kohlschreiber took it 7-5 on his second set point, Petzschner had treatment on his back and when he was broken in his first service game, he called it quits.
"It is a real pity that Philipp could not play on. It is a shame for the fans but you could see he was really suffering," said Kohlschreiber.
"I am very satisfied with my performance throughout the tournament, but it is always a shame when you win because of an opponent's injury. I hope Phil will be fit again soon."
Petzschner added: "With the score at 5-5 in the first set, I felt a few pains in my back - then it got worse. The muscle just got tighter and tighter and it wasn't easy to move anymore. But I think that I will be fit again (for Wimbledon)."
