Halle in Westphalia. Half a dozen top ten aces, Alexander Zverev, a hungry German top man in current champion form - and a "tennistainment" programme with many highlights: The 31st edition of the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN from 15 to 23 June 2024 promises a top-class experience for around one hundred thousand fans. "We can hardly wait for the tournament to start," said tournament director Ralf Weber at a press conference in Halle in Westphalia on Thursday, at which the plans for the upcoming ATP 500 event were presented. With the top-seeded Italian Jannik Sinner (ATP 2), Olympic champion Alexander Zverev (ATP 4) and Daniil Medvedev (ATP 5), three top five cracks alone will be competing for the coveted trophy at Germany's grass court classic. "I think this top field shows impressively how important Halle has become on the tour," said tournament director Weber. "We are the most important tournament between the Grand Slams in Paris and London."
In addition to the trio of Australian Open king Sinner, DTB crack Zverev, who has just been crowned Masters winner in Rome, and top man Medvedev, Andrey Rublev (ATP 6), Poland's Hubert Hurkacz (ATP 8, winner in 2022) and Greece's tennis hero Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 9) will of course also want to have a say in the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN title. "Six top ten stars is simply fantastic and a first in the tournament's history. The fans will be treated to some hot duels on the courts from day one," says tournament director Weber. Sven Wortmann also emphasises the exceptional quality of the field of participants: "As the title sponsor, we are delighted that we can confirm our exceptional sporting position every year. Together with our partners, we are looking forward to the many top players and high-calibre matches."
Meanwhile, the first wildcard for the tournament goes to DTB player Dominik Koepfer, who missed out on direct qualification for the main draw after being ranked 67th. The 30-year-old had reached his best position in the ATP ranking this March (49th), including a success at Challenger level in Canberra in January. "I agreed with Michael Kohlmann on the wildcard allocation. We are both of the opinion that Dominik has earned this opportunity," said Ralf Weber, who will only award the other direct tickets for the main draw at a later date.
DTB top man Zverev is particularly keen for the chance to finally lift the winner's trophy at one of his favourite tournaments of the season: "It would be wonderful if I could achieve this success. I came very close early on in my career." Zverev lost the final in both 2016 and 2017, once against record winner Roger Federer and once against compatriot Florian Mayer.
In mid-May, Zverev extended his contract with the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN until 2027 – a matter of course for him, a formality: "I just love this special atmosphere here, the great fans," said Zverev. "There was no question about signing up." The connection between Zverev and Germany's most important tournament will now deepen even further; Zverev's foundation (Alexander Zverev Foundation) will be present in Halle in Westphalia for the first time this year with a stand and under the motto "Serving against diabetes". This collaboration was initiated by title sponsor Wortmann.
In sporting terms, one national rival is also likely to pose a threat to him – local hero Jan-Lennard Struff (ATP 39), who made an impressive comeback last season after an injury and is likely to be a major hurdle for anyone in the tournament field. "I'm incredibly happy for Struffi. He has really shown how you can make a real leap forward on the tour even at an advanced age. It's quite simple with him: hard, consistent work pays off," says tournament director Weber. Struff himself can hardly hide his anticipation for the start of the grass court showdown: "I'm eager to get started. Halle is always a special tournament for me, a piece of home," says the 34-year-old family man. "Nowhere else are so many of my family and friends here." Struff won his first professional tournament in Munich in April.
Even before the tournament, the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN had already laid a strong foundation for the near future: Wortmann AG took over the naming rights to the ATP 500 grass court classic for 2025, thereby extending its trusting partnership with OWL Sport & Event GmbH und Co KG. "We are very grateful for the many years of support," said tournament director Weber. "We are convinced that this extension will help to take the tournament to a new level in the long term and inspire even more tennis fans." Sven Wortmann, member of the Supervisory Board of Wortmann AG, emphasised the relevance of the commitment in Halle in Westphalia: "Since taking over the naming rights for the tournament, our brand awareness has increased significantly. In addition, attending the tournament is an absolute highlight for our business partners from all over the world. This year, we will have an even larger exhibition space and therefore a presence on site for us and our partners."
Tennis at the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN has traditionally been more than just tennis since the first days of the tournament – the added value has a name: "Tennistainment", family-friendly entertainment alongside world-class sport. At the 31st edition, there are also regular great offers for all generations, including on the opening weekend at the "Open Days" and the qualifying matches with free admission. The Hanoverian band "Marquess" will be the top musical act on Saturday, 15 June, with catchy Latin sounds. On the popular theme days (including Kids' Day, Family Day and Fitness Day), local bands such as Burning Guitars, Soulkitchen and Goodbeats will be playing on the OWL local radio stage. On Kids' Day, to which schools from all over East Westphalia are once again invited, Wortmann AG will also be offering the opportunity to meet influencers NiklasNeo and BigSpin at the TERRA Gaming stand and compete against them on a gaming PC.
Football fans won't miss out at the 31st TERRA WORTMANN OPEN either: the European Championship matches between the German national team and Hungary (Wednesday, 18 June, 6 p.m.) and Switzerland (Sunday, 23 June, 9 p.m.) will be broadcast on a large screen on the OWL local radio stage, as will selected highlight matches – Spain v Croatia (Saturday, 15 June), Denmark v England (Thursday, 20 June) and Spain v Italy (Thursday, 20 June). Former Bundesliga player Ansgar Brinkmann will be a guest pundit.
Prices and further information can be found on the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN website. Tickets can be purchased on the ticket hotline (05201) 81 80 as well as online at www.terrawortmann-open.de and at all eventim advance booking offices. They can also be booked as Print@Home or mobile tickets. The TICKET CENTER can be contacted by e-mail at karten@@owl-arena..de and has the following address Gausekampweg 2 in 33790 Halle-Westphalia.
