Hanfmann wins toilet paper at German exhibition

By Jordaan SanfordPublished May 04, 2020

Y. Hanfmann vs. D. Brown 2020 Hohr-Grenhauzen

As the world continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic, pro tennis returned in limited fashion last week with the Tennis Point Exhibition in Germany. Short sets to four were played, and a champion was crowned, just like the good old days.

Take a look at some of the sights from the closed-door event.

Yannick Hanfmann raised his arms as he claimed the first behind closed doors Tennis-Point Exhibition Series event. The world No.143 defeated Dustin Brown in the best of shortened format, 4-2, 4-0.

HOHR-GRENZHAUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 04: Yannick Hanfmann of Germany celebrates after winning the final of the Tennis Point Exhibition Series on May 04, 2020 in Hohr-Grenzhausen, Germany. It's the first tournament since the suspension of all matches at the beginning of March and one of the first non-virtual sporting events in the Corona crisis. (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images) — © Lukas Schulze

Hanfmann was awarded a roll of toilet paper and a tennis ball with No. 1 written on it as his trophy. The makeshift trophy was given to Hanfmann by a gentleman who wore gloves and a mask. The German was still all smiles after his dominating performance.

HOHR-GRENZHAUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 04: Yannick Hanfmann of Germany celebrates his win of the Tennis Point Exhibition Series with a joke trophy showing toilet paper and a tennis ball on May 04, 2020 in Hohr-Grenzhausen, Germany. It's the first tournament since the suspension of all matches at the beginning of March and one of the first non-virtual sporting events in the Corona crisis. (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images) — © Lukas Schulze

With no plans to bring live tennis back, it was Brown alongside Rodney Rapson, the managing director for Playsight that brought the event to fruition. Although Brown acknowledged it was strange to play without fans, he was excited and happy to be back on the court competing, and even hit some trick shots.

HOHR-GRENZHAUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 04: Dustin Brown of Germany in action during the final on day 4 of the Tennis Point Exhibition Series on May 04, 2020 in Hohr-Grenzhausen, Germany. It's the first tournament since the suspension of all matches at the beginning of March and one of the first non-virtual sporting events in the Corona crisis. (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images) — © Lukas Schulze

World No. 327 Jan Choinski had an overall successful four days. He picked up five wins and only lost to eventual champion Hanfmann and Brown.

HOHR-GRENZHAUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 04: Jan Choinski of Germany serves during day 4 of the Tennis Point Exhibition Series on May 04, 2020 in Hohr-Grenzhausen, Germany. It's the first tournament since the suspension of all matches at the beginning of March and one of the first non-virtual sporting events in the Corona crisis. (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images) — © Lukas Schulze

The fast-four format is certainly anything but typical but it made for more non-stop action. “Watching Fast4 and Laver Cup, there’s never any dull moments in the game,” Brown said.

HOHR-GRENZHAUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 02: Jean-Marc Werner wears a face mask as he watches a match during day 2 of the Tennis Point Exhibition Series on May 02, 2020 in Hohr-Grenzhausen, Germany. The tournament is the first since the suspension of all matches at the beginning of March and one of the first non-virtual sporting events held during the Coronavirus crisis. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

More live tennis from Germany is coming soon as the four-day event was just Part of a three-part series. Matches will resume May 7-10 and May 14-17.