ITF: Door to door with Moritz Thiem in Belek
If you are looking for a career in professional tennis then you have to fight your way up the ITF Tour. The 17-year-old Anja Wildgruber from Munich has made a good start in Turkey.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Oct 16, 2019, 10:01 am
Describing Moritz Thiem as a veteran of tennis sport would be as audacious as in some respects but also again correct assessment: experience with ITF tournaments in Turkey, the younger brother of Dominic has now accumulated in abundance, most recently in late September in Antalya. At the same time, Anja Wildgruber, 17 years old, made her debut on the bottom floor of professional tennis events. And discovered by chance, who was there next to her in the hotel RIU Kaya Belek two tournament weeks long quartered: just that Moritz Thiem.
However, who has not beaten so successfully as the Münchner - Wildgruber fought three times through the qualification, reached in their last 15,000 even the final. After a match in the semi-final, which had lastingly depleted Mother Peggy's nerves: 11: 9 in the tiebreak of the third set against Polyna Martyna Kubka, there was not much fuel in the tank for the final against Uzbekistan Sabina Sharypova the following day. With mother and daughter Wildgruber.
Training at the MTTC Iphitos
After all, 70 points for the ITF World Ranking have become in the three weeks Turkey, a countable result yet, then Anja Wildgruber will appear for the first time in the WTA rankings. It is already listed as number 369 in the ITF charts. Incidentally, with a successful high school diploma this spring, in the scene of the ambitious tennis junior staff probably a unique feature. Especially since acquired at a "regular" high school, which had no special rules for competitive athletes.
# # IMG2
From a financial point of view, the Wildgrubers could not complain: 60 euros per person per night in full board, as well father Klaus has liked to take the first half of the trip. For the planned visit of the US Open as a spectator was canceled until further replacement, the active sport had priority. The tournament management in Belek is traditionally also quartered in the players' hotel, the paths are short. The women's matches were also always scheduled in the morning, at over 30 degrees Celsius, but still under mostly pleasant conditions.
During school time, however, a tournament trip like the one to Turkey would have been inconceivable. Which is why Wildgruber, as a junior, has also completed a few events outside of a just-in-time rally. In Munich, the teenager trains at the MTTC Iphitos, mostly with male opponents, under the direction of Pete Kristen and Uli Sprenglewski. Wildgruber at Munich's SC has become big, and local head coach Oliver Krumnikl follows closely the career of his former protégé.
Next tournament in Ortisei
But Turkey has left a few traces: after three tournaments on hard court - the gentlemen are playing ash in Antalya - Anja's thigh has been tweaked a bit. The entrusted physiotherapist in Munich was of course paid from the Wildgrubers own pocket. There is virtually no contact to the Deutscher Tennisbund. Wildgruber was only twice invited to courses in Stuttgart, which, however, is years back.
So while other 17-year-olds are currently looking to complete their school career, Anja Wildgruber is working on her career as a tennis player. Next stop: The ITF Tournament in Ortisei at the end of October. All inclusive is not offered there however. And Moritz Thiem is also not expected.