Former top-10 player Tommy Haas has requested a wild card into this month’s French Open main draw as he continues his final season on the tour.
The German player will end his 21-year career as a professional player at the end of 2017. A former world No.2, Haas’ career has seen him undergo nine different surgeries due to numerous injury problems.
This week, Haas played his final match at the Munich Open. A former champion in the event, the 39-year-old went out in the second round to compatriot Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets. Munich was Haas’ sixth tournament of the season. So far he has defeated just three players this season, including Benoit Paire and Riley Opelka.
With a current ranking of 455th in the world, Haas will have to play qualifying at the upcoming French Open unless he is awarded a wild card. Shortly after his Munich defeat, the German confirmed he has sent a request for a pass to officials.
“If I actually play the qualification in Paris is uncertain, as I will ask for a wild card into the main draw,” said Haas.
It is understood that the German isn’t using his protected ranking to enter the tournament because he wants to save it for Wimbledon. Under ATP Rules players can apply for a protected ranking if they have been injured for over six months.
Haas is hoping to play in his 60th ATP grand slam main draw at Roland Garros. His best performance at the Championship occurred in 2013 when he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Novak Djokovic.
Throughout his career, Haas has played in 28 ATP finals, winning 15 titles. In 2000 he won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympic Games, becoming the only German male to medal in the singles draw during the Open era. Haas has also defeated a No.1 player twice in his career. Andre Agassi in 1999 and Novak Djokovic in 2013.
