Tim Pütz, at 37, has unexpectedly risen to become a doubles world champion in tennis, despite not initially pursuing a professional career. His culinary preferences during travels highlight Munich, Vienna, and Madrid as top destinations. However, the demands of the sport take a toll on his family life, as he spends much of the year away from home. A pivotal moment in his life shifted him towards tennis, ultimately leading to significant success and over three million dollars in prize money.
Tim Pütz: From Unlikely Beginnings to Doubles World Champion
Tim Pütz never envisioned a career as a professional tennis player, yet at 37 years old, he has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a doubles world champion. Despite the accolades, life in the competitive tennis world comes with its own set of challenges.
A Culinary Journey Through the Tennis Circuit
In Tim Pütz’s personal ranking of tennis destinations based on culinary delights, Munich stands out at the top, followed closely by Vienna and Madrid. The doubles ace, originally from Frankfurt and raised in Usingen, shared his thoughts on the best dining experiences during a recent appearance on hr-heimspiel!. While it’s uncertain if he indulges in local delicacies such as white sausages, schnitzel, or rich tapas, the glamorous lifestyle of a tennis professional certainly paints an appealing picture—traveling the globe, playing the sport he loves, and savoring delicious cuisine.
However, for Pütz, who is also a devoted father to two young children, the tennis lifestyle has significant downsides. He often finds himself away from his family, who still reside in Usingen near his childhood tennis club. Maintaining friendships becomes a challenge as well. “There are maybe 100 days a year when I wake up and go to sleep at home,” he reflects. The rest of the year is filled with the routine of packing and unpacking, leading him to ponder the true meaning of his commitment to the sport.
Despite the challenges of travel, recent weeks have proven fruitful for Pütz. Alongside his partner Kevin Krawietz, he made history as the first German duo to win the ATP Finals in Turin last November, earning the prestigious title of doubles world champion. Their achievement came with a prize purse exceeding 800,000 euros and widespread recognition. “You only realize afterwards how much such a title is appreciated,” Pütz remarks, appreciating the accolades from fans and peers alike.
Pütz’s journey to professional tennis is even more impressive when considering his background. Becoming an internationally recognized tennis player was never part of his original plan. “It wasn’t Plan A, it wasn’t even Plan B,” he admits. Although he excelled in tennis, he initially viewed it as a means to an end. A tennis scholarship allowed him to study in the USA after high school, and upon returning, he enjoyed the sport casually. “If I weren’t a professional, I would just meet friends regularly to play,” he shares.
The pivotal turn towards professional tennis came unexpectedly when he faced rejection from Goethe University in Frankfurt for his master’s degree application. With time on his hands, he dedicated himself to tennis, leading to his current success. “I had nothing else to do. And yes: I played quite decently, that’s how it started,” he recalls.
From that moment, Pütz threw himself into the world of tennis, making a name for himself on the professional circuit. He initially competed in singles but found greater success in doubles. According to available records, he has earned over three million US dollars in prize money throughout his ATP career, accompanied by ten tournament trophies displayed proudly at home. “I never applied for the master’s again,” he quips, celebrating his unexpected path to becoming a world champion through an alternative route.
As for his family, it’s clear that with each passing year, the end of his unexpected career draws closer. The tennis club in Usingen, where Pütz first learned the game, still stands ready to nurture new talent. It’s entirely possible that soon, Pütz will find a way to balance his passion for tennis with the joys of raising his children.