Jan-Lennard Struff: German Veteran Faces Bublik in Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
DUBAI, 24 February 2026 — German tennis veteran Jan-Lennard Struff returns to the spotlight today as he prepares for a high-stakes encounter at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Currently ranked World No. 80, the 35-year-old Warstein native enters the main draw as a Lucky Loser, set to face Alexander Bublik in a match that could define his early 2026 season trajectory.
Current Standing and 2026 Form
Struff, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 21 in June 2023, has experienced a fluctuating start to the 2026 calendar. After competing in Hong Kong earlier this year, where he faced opponents like Nishesh Basavareddy and Zsombor Piros, he recently navigated the qualifying rounds in Dubai. Despite a narrow 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4 loss to Otto Virtanen in the final qualifying round two days ago, Struff gained entry into the main draw as a Lucky Loser.
As of today, 24 February 2026, Struff holds the position of German No. 3, trailing behind Alexander Zverev and Daniel Altmaier (World No. 53). His live ranking has shown slight improvement to No. 77 as he prepares for his opening-round match on Centre Court.
The Matchup: Struff vs. Bublik
The upcoming clash against Alexander Bublik marks a significant test for the German. While Struff leads the head-to-head record 3-2, Bublik won their most recent encounter earlier this month in Rotterdam. Analysts suggest a challenging match for Struff, given Bublik’s current form as the world No. 10 and the second seed in this tournament.
Player Profile: Jan-Lennard Struff
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 35 (Born 25 April 1990) |
| Birthplace | Warstein, Germany |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | 202 lbs (92 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Plays | Right-handed (Two-handed backhand) |
| Career Titles | 1 (Munich, BMW Open) |
| Coach | Markus Wislsperger |
Career Milestones
Struff’s career is defined by his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. His most significant breakthrough came in April 2024, when he clinched his maiden ATP Tour singles title at the BMW Open in Munich, defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. This victory solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor on clay, though his game remains well-suited for fast hard courts like those in Dubai.
Grand Slam Performance
Throughout his career, Struff has been a consistent presence in the latter stages of major tournaments. His career record stands at 238 wins and 268 losses. While he has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, his ability to upset top-ten seeds has made him a “dangerous floater” in tournament draws for over a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jan-Lennard Struff’s current ATP ranking?
As of 24 February 2026, Jan-Lennard Struff is ranked No. 80 in the world, though his live ranking has fluctuated near No. 77 during the Dubai tournament.
How many ATP titles has Struff won?
Struff has won one ATP singles title, which he secured at the BMW Open in Munich.
Who is Jan-Lennard Struff playing next?
Struff is scheduled to play Alexander Bublik today, 24 February 2026, in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Where is Jan-Lennard Struff from?
He was born and raised in Warstein, Germany.