Generali Race to Kitzbühel 2023: "Playing in front of 6,000 people for 10,000 euros is the greatest thing for hobby players"
The Generali Race to Kitzbühel will enter the next round in 2023. In an interview with tennisnet.com, tournament director Alexander Antonitsch talks about the expectations of this year's edition and reveals why everyone can really win the winner's check of 10,000 euros.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Apr 03, 2023, 01:04 pm
Mr. Antonitsch, last year you were not able to say after the final that the Generali Race to Kitzbühel will go into the next round this year. How glad are you that it worked out now?
Of course we are very happy that Generali will continue to support the Race to Kitzbühel this year. The event has now taken on dimensions that are unique for the hobby and amateur sector. We want to deliver something special again this year. With the tie-break shoot-out, we managed to create a format that makes the Generali Race to Kitzbühel absolutely unique. The rush from players and organizers is great - it's done. What also makes us very happy: This year we have the ÖTV on board again, which will also advertise the event.
You said there was a great interest among the organizers. What makes the Generali Race to Kitzbühel special for tennis clubs?
First of all, that you as a club can keep the entry fee and that we will arrive with the equipment we have collected. We have gifts worth more than 40 euros in our luggage and we bring the balls to the facility. And with Claus Lippert, the man who I can call the best tournament director in Austria with a clear conscience is once again taking over the tournament management. Because he is quite simply the one with the most experience.
The Generali Race to Kitzbühel also shines with the prizes that you provide at the end of the day. What can the winner look forward to in 2023?
At the individual events we play for a year's supply of balls. Provided, of course, that the hobby players don't switch balls at 7 and 9 (laughs). Joking aside, as a hobby player you go home from the qualifying tournaments as the winner with around 100 cans of balls. Of course that's a great thing too. At the final tournament in Kitzbühel this year, we once again put together a very special prize: the winner will receive a check for 10,000 euros.
Do you already have a place and date for the first event in this year's race?
The first event will take place in Vienna from April 14th to 18th. 12 tournament locations have already been determined, there may still be a few more.
What innovations can hobby players look forward to this year?
We have retained a lot of what was successful because we can now draw on a few years of experience. But what we noticed last year: We want to open the event up further, which is why this season you can take part in the tournament from the age of 12. We have also established a ladies bonus so that the competition can be even fairer this year. Here we have seen that the ITN system is reaching its limits in parts.
But your tried-and-tested handicap system hasn't been tweaked?
There was no screwing at all, because the system has proven itself over the years and is accepted 100% by the participants. We've had winners with an 8-itn. Due to the handicap system, there is simply a tremendous amount of excitement here. The 6,000 people watching the final in Kitzbühel have the feeling: This is one of them. We could win that too. And that is what we want to stand for with the Generali Race to Kitzbühel. That really anyone who plays tennis can win this tournament. It doesn't matter whether it's a 3-itn or an 8.5.
You already mentioned last year's record crowd of 6,000 people: how did the finalists react to the record crowd last year?
Just like many others: with a good deal of nervousness. Of course, they were also completely enthusiastic. It's not just the final itself, we also raffle off backstage passes at the qualifying tournaments. The quarter-finalists will then also be accredited. It's also important to us that they are up close and personal. That makes the whole thing an experience, that makes the whole thing so special. And in the endgame: This is a unique situation for recreational and amateur players. In front of such a backdrop, playing in front of 6,000 people for 10,000 euros - that's the greatest thing for hobby players.
What are your expectations as a team going into this year's edition?
We have established tournament venues and host clubs waiting. That's why we're so happy that we can now officially get started. We start early, sometimes before the start of the championship. That goes on until July before Kitzbühel, so that everyone has the chance to take part in a host club in their area. We offer tournament locations from Vienna to Dornbirn. 2023 is guaranteed to be another great edition of the Generali Race to Kitzbühel.
Then only one question remains: how and where can you register?
All information about the tournament locations, registration, prize money and the mode can be found on the Generali Open website. Tennis fans can also register directly here. https://www.generaliopen.com/de/generali-race-to-kitzbuehel/