German Ladies' Series: semi-final groups drawn - Friedsam returns with wildcard
Darmstadt is the host of the semi-finals of the German Ladies' Series presented by Porsche, which start this Wednesday. From July 15th to 18th, the four final tickets for eight players will be divided into two groups. The draw for the two groups led by Laura Siegemund and the returning Anna-Lena Friedsam with a wildcard has taken place and promises exciting matches.
by PM
last edit: Jul 14, 2020, 07:45 am
In group A of the German Ladies' Series presented by Porsche, Laura Siegemund, previously unbeaten, has to compete with Katharina Gerlach, Jule Niemeier and Lisa Ponomar - who was one of the winners of the bonus round from the intermediate round and received a wildcard by lot.
Group A with Siegemund, Gerlach, Niemeier and Ponomar
“Now there are the players who have won the most victories in the past few weeks. So it won't be easier - but I am happy that things are really getting going now, ”said Laura Siegemund following the draw of the semi-finals live on the Instagram channel of the German Tennis Federation and took stock of the tournament series:“ I think the format is good, there was always a week between the individual rounds to work on the knowledge gained from the games during training. I've also had some really tough matches, so it's a good preparation for the WTA tour. ”
One of her opponents in the semifinals is Katharina Gerlach. The Porsche Talent Team player also commented on the draw live on the social media platform: “First of all, I'm looking forward to all the matches that are now coming up to me. I know all the girls because you see each other again and again at the tournaments. I had some close and good games against Jule Niemeier before the Corona break and I lost to Laura a few years ago. Let's see what's going on now. "
Group B with Friedsam, Korpatsch, Zaja and Schunk
Anna-Lena Friedsam, who had dropped out in the thigh after the preliminary round due to muscular problems, is now recovering and equipped with a wildcard, back in the competition. Due to her WTA ranking she leads the semi-final group B of the German Ladies' Series presented by Porsche. There she has to deal with Tamara Korpatsch, Anna Zaja and Nastasja Schunk from the Porsche Talent Team.
“In the meantime I had a lot of physiotherapy and also trained well again. Now I'm happy about the chance to play again, ”said Friedsam in the chat with guest moderator Christopher Kas following the draw. “I know Tamara from the tour, but have never played against her. Against Anna I have been on the pitch a few times, it will be exciting. Nastasja Schunk is a young player who presented herself well. I am definitely ready. "
Head of Women's Tennis Barbara Rittner is also looking forward to the semi-finals of the German Ladies' Series presented by Porsche: “The quality of tennis has improved with every round. There were really a lot of great matches and the young players in particular, who I always look out for, sold well. But even the established ladies like Laura Siegemund or Tamara Korpatsch have impressed me with their professionalism and sovereignty. It will be a very balanced matter. I'm excited to see who we see in the final in Versmold. "
At the semi-finals in Darmstadt - unlike in the preliminary and intermediate rounds of the German Ladies' Series - up to 100 spectators will be admitted. This keeps the organizers below the maximum number of spectators permitted in the state of Hesse, so that the necessary seat spacing can be easily maintained. The first and second places in the two groups qualify for the finals of the German Ladies' Series presented by Porsche, which will be held in Versmold from July 23 to 26.