Rafael Nadal joined by 17-year-old Justin Engel in rare tennis feat not seen in 35 years

Rafael Nadal recently wrapped up his remarkable professional career, leaving behind more than two decades at the top of world tennis. Those years allowed the Spanish legend to accomplish countless historic feats—and now, young Justin Engel joins him with a rare achievement.

Engel defeated James Duckworth this week 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the opening round of the BOSS Open in Stuttgart, becoming the second-youngest player since 1990 to win tour-level matches on all three surfaces—hard, clay and grass—excluding Davis Cup competition.

Before his winning debut on the grass courts of Stuttgart, Justin had defeated Coleman Wong in straight sets in October 2024 at the Almaty Open, held on hard courts. Just last month, he beat Jan-Lennard Struff on the clay of Hamburg.

These victories are even more remarkable considering the young German is just 17 years and 8 months old. The only player in recent decades to accomplish something similar—actually, even better—was Nadal: at just 17 years and 2 months, he had already secured wins on all three surfaces, launching a path that would eventually make him World No. 1 by age 22.

German rising star Justin Engel

Other standout young players

The list led by Rafael Nadal—and now featuring Justin Engel in second place—of the youngest players to win matches on all three surfaces also includes several names that eventually became global tennis superstars, even reaching the top of the rankings.

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Just behind Engel is Alexander Zverev, who achieved the same feat at 18 years and one month. That same age also saw Lleyton Hewitt and Carlos Alcaraz complete the top five, according to the official ATP Tour website. It’s worth noting that three of the five players on that list eventually became World No. 1, while Zverev reached as high as No. 2. This sets high expectations for what Justin Engel may be capable of in the years to come.

Engel’s next challenge

Following his first-round victory at the Stuttgart Open, Justin Engel will face American Alex Michelsen on Thursday morning in the round of 16. A few hours later, top seed Alexander Zverev is set to take the court against Corentin Moutet.