Philipp Kohlschreiber Guides Rising Star Justin Engel in Tennis

Philipp Kohlschreiber, a former top-20 ATP player, is embarking on a new chapter in his professional career as he takes on the role of coach for 17-year-old tennis prodigy Justin Engel. This partnership began in October 2024, shortly after Engel made history by becoming the first player born in 2007 or later to win an ATP Tour match with a first-round victory in Almaty. Kohlschreiber's extensive experience as an eight-time ATP Tour champion and former World No. 16 positions him uniquely to mentor Engel, who has quickly risen to prominence on the circuit.

Engel's ascent in the sport has been meteoric. Following his initial victory, he became the second-youngest player to win a tour-level match on all three surfaces since 1990, trailing only his idol, Rafael Nadal. Kohlschreiber is adamant about the importance of maintaining balance in Engel's training regimen, emphasizing the need to temper the young athlete's ambition. 'He is my first experience from the other side,' Kohlschreiber remarked during the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle. 'He’s very determined, very focused on hard work, but sometimes a little too much. I’m here to slow him down and ensure we don’t rush things.'

Engel's performance on the ATP Tour has been impressive, with notable performances as a wild card at events in Munich, Hamburg, and Stuttgart, where he secured three wins. He is set to achieve a career-high ranking of No. 219 in the PIF ATP Rankings before competing against fellow NextGenATP star Learner Tien at the upcoming Mallorca Championships. Kohlschreiber noted that Engel's dedication to tennis, coupled with his ability to engage with fans, makes him a standout player among his peers. 'He loves the attention, enjoys being at big tournaments, and has a great connection with the fans,' Kohlschreiber added.

While some might question the effectiveness of a rookie coach mentoring a rookie player, Kohlschreiber's ATP Tour experience is invaluable. He collaborates closely with Engel's father, Horst Engel, who has been a consistent presence in his son's training. Kohlschreiber highlighted Engel's physical strength and work ethic, stating, 'He started very early on working his body in the gym, so he is physically very strong. He’s pushing his limits every day on the court, and he has the ability to create speed off both sides and on the serve.' This combination of power and technique is essential in modern tennis, where athleticism is paramount.

The coaching relationship not only focuses on technical improvements but also on strategic development. Kohlschreiber aims to help Engel refine his shot selection and enhance his mental toughness during matches. 'It’s important to ensure it’s not too easy to play against him,' he explained. 'I think it’s a great combination: he brings the power, and I bring the knowledge from my experiences in many tennis matches.'

Engel is one of several 17-year-olds making waves in German tennis, alongside compatriots Diego Dedura and Max Schoenhaus. Dedura recently became the first player born in 2008 or later to win an ATP Tour match, while Schoenhaus reached the boys’ final at Roland Garros. Kohlschreiber recognizes the potential pressure that comes with such rapid success and strives to keep Engel grounded amid the surrounding hype. 'He’s really still 17,' Kohlschreiber said, noting Engel's youthful enthusiasm for social media and fan engagement. 'He enjoys playing on big courts, even against established names, which is a positive sign for his future.'

As Engel prepares for his upcoming matches, the tennis community watches with keen interest. His trajectory, supported by Kohlschreiber's guidance, may herald a new era for German tennis, with the potential for Engel to emerge as a formidable player on the international stage. The challenges ahead will test both the player and coach, but their partnership exemplifies a commitment to excellence and growth in the sport.