Tournament Director Ralf Weber described the 32nd TERRA WORTMANN OPEN as a ‘summer tennis festival with a cheerful atmosphere and outstanding world-class sport’: ‘Halle has once again made it clear why it occupies a top position in the global ATP 500 series,’ said Weber before the final matches on Sunday. With 105,200 spectators, the grass court classic once again broke the magical 100,000 spectator barrier and emphasised its popularity with German and international tennis fans. ‘Visitors come to us from all over the world and secure their tickets months in advance,’ said the tournament director, "we occupy a dominant position in one of the most important weeks in the season calendar. No wonder with the super atmosphere that prevails here."
Sven Wortmann from Wortmann AG, the title sponsor of the German grass court highlight, also drew an ‘extremely positive balance’: ‘From the first to the last day, we experienced thrilling duels in a rousing atmosphere.’ The computer manufacturer had once again traditionally invited hundreds of partners and customers to strengthen business relationships. "There are many partners who have been looking forward to these days in Halle for a long time. It's always an extraordinary experience," said Wortmann.
Weber and Wortmann also referred to the unparalleled ‘tennis entertainment’ on tour, where fans can experience emotional and exciting moments away from the centre court. "For us, the tennis tournament is always more than just tennis. That's what the spectators expect during this time, especially the families who come to Halle," says Weber. Autograph sessions with the ATP stars regularly attracted crowds of fans, with Sinner, Zverev and co. presenting themselves at many sponsor stands.
The constant attraction of the top ATP event was also illustrated by the striking demand from sponsors. ‘We had more sponsors this year than ever before,’ said Weber, "the response is simply huge. All perimeters and boxes were sold." Well-known partners such as Neudorff, Bürger and Westwing joined the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN this year, while legendary watch manufacturer Rolex also increased its involvement. Tournament Director Weber referred to a statement by Philipp Hartmann, Head of Marketing at partner Haier. He had described the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN as the ‘best tournament in Germany’ with a special atmosphere for the fans. Around 1,000 guests were welcomed daily in the VIP area during the tournament week and also experienced a high-quality culinary experience in a relaxed club atmosphere.
In his summary, tournament director Ralf Weber also emphasised the important unique selling point of the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN on the ATP circuit: "We are a tournament of short, uncomplicated distances. A real feel-good oasis away from the hectic pace that prevails elsewhere in many weeks,‘ said Weber, ’Jannik Sinner, the number one in the world rankings, now also feels at home here." Weber regretted the early failure of the defending champion from South Tyrol in the round of 16, but at the same time the course of the ATP 500 competition underlined the ‘strength and balance’ of the field: ‘It really is true, but anyone can beat anyone on any given day.’
Weber also took up the cudgels for Alexander Zverev, the German top player and world number three: "Sascha is often quickly criticised for all sorts of things. But we see him as a highly ambitious, ambitious world-class athlete who always wants to get the best out of himself." Zverev has been involved in the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN on many levels for years and has become an ‘impressive ambassador’. The tournament and the Alexander Zverev Foundation are also linked by a close partnership. Zverev had lost in the semi-finals on Saturday to his opponent Daniil Medvedev and missed out on a third final appearance in Halle.
Weber also praised the performances of the very young German tennis generation. ‘Justin Engel and Max Schönhaus may not have made it into the main draw, but they still put in convincing performances in the qualifiers.’ The tournament director announced that he would continue to focus strongly on promoting national talent in the future and giving them opportunities to play. ‘This is practically part of the tournament's DNA and we see it as an obligation,’ said Weber.
