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Angelique Kerber: "I see the new tournaments in Germany as a great opportunity"

Last week the WTA tournament in Berlin, this week the Bad Homburg Open: Two new WTA tournaments, which are supported by Porsche, further enhance the value of Germany as a tennis location.

by Porsche
last edit: Jun 21, 2021, 01:18 pm

Angelique Kerber
© Porsche
Angelique Kerber

The Porsche Newsroom spoke to Porsche brand ambassador Angelique Kerber about this positive development, the associated opportunities for the best young players in the country and about their commitment to the tournament in Bad Homburg. She not only competes there as a player, but is also involved in the organization. This dual role, she says, is "a great challenge."

Angelique, two new women's tournaments in Germany alongside the traditional Porsche Tennis Grand Prix - what do you think about that?
“This is a great development. Since I've been on the WTA Tour, I've been hoping for more tournaments in Germany. Now the time has finally come. I am happy for the tennis fans who can now experience even more high-class women's tennis with the best players in the world. "

What does this mean for German women's tennis?
“I see this as a great opportunity. With the help of wildcards, our best young players will have even more opportunities to present themselves to a larger audience and - what is even more important - to compete with top players at a high level. These are valuable experiences that will help them advance in their careers. We have only now seen again at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix that there are these talents in Germany. "

Are the tournaments also proof of the high status that women's tennis enjoys in Germany?
"Definitely. I am happy and a little proud that, with my success in recent years, I was able to contribute to the fact that women's tennis is now more important to us again. The successful appearances of Porsche Team Germany in the Billie Jean King Cup, the former Fed Cup, made this positive development possible "

The Bad Homburg Open is with your "baby", you are both a player and a tournament ambassador. How far are you involved in the organization and how do you like this dual role?
“It was a very exciting journey for me right from the start. I got even more interesting insights into the organizational work that goes into such a tournament and was often amazed at what it takes to make things go well from A to Z. It's a great challenge not only to be involved as a player, but also to be jointly responsible for the success of the tournament. I am aware of this responsibility and I am happy to bear it. After the premiere last year had to be canceled due to Corona, I am all the more pleased that we can finally start. "

How attractive is it to be able to bring your wishes and experiences as a player into your own tournament?
“I am happy and grateful that I have the opportunity to do so at the Bad Homburg Open. Of course I tried to bring in as much experience as possible. After all, I know what the players expect from a tournament and what they particularly value. But it was also about the question: What is possible? What can you do? The overall situation is still not easy. Nevertheless, I believe that we managed a good tournament together with our team, one with a family atmosphere and a certain feel-good character. I'm curious how the players find it. "

Did it take a lot of persuasion to lure stars like Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova to Bad Homburg?
"Not at all. To have Simona and Petra with us as former Wimbledon winners is of course great, also for the fans. ( Simona Halep , injured and canceled her start at short notice, editor's note) It certainly helped that they know me well and, not least from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, know how well tournaments are organized in Germany. Above all, they are happy, like me, that they can play a few more matches on grass before Wimbledon. We will certainly experience an exciting tournament. "

What positive things from your time on the tour can be found in the Bad Homburg Open?
“Above all, I'm happy that we will have spectators on the course and not have to play in front of empty stands. That is a very important factor for me and for all the other players. In addition, we have of course tried to offer them conditions under which they can perform their best. A compact tournament with short distances. That was our claim - based on the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The player's hotel is only 300 meters away from the facility, we have good training grounds, and everything around it fits. I am sure the players will feel comfortable with us. "

The exclusive Porsche shuttle service, provided by Porsche Germany with the support of the Porsche Center Bad Homburg, will certainly contribute to this.
"I am convinced of that. As a Porsche brand ambassador, I am delighted that Porsche, as a longstanding sponsor of women's tennis, is now also a partner of our tournament. This also applies to the players. They are always thrilled when they are driven back and forth in such great cars. "

You addressed the audience. How many are allowed on the facility and what was the response from tennis fans?
“It was overwhelming. We are allowed to let 600 spectators on the system per day, and when we started ticketing last week, and only for cardholders from the previous year, every day was sold out after half an hour. That shows us how much people are looking forward to our tournament. There can be no greater compliment for an organizer. "

by Porsche

Monday
Jun 21, 2021, 01:43 pm
last edit: Jun 21, 2021, 01:18 pm