ITF: Siegemund and Co. enjoy the tennis destination of Carinthia
Three ITF tournaments within three weeks: The tennis destination of Carinthia is really stepping on the gas for women.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: May 31, 2022, 03:34 pm
A small chapter in Austrian tennis history was written a long time ago in Annenheim am Ossiacher See. The first grass pitch in the republic was raised there on the private initiative of Alexander Antonitsch, who always felt most comfortable in Wimbledon. In Carinthia, however, people have long since returned to the ashes. And Annenheim is about to open the door to professional tennis.
Because the ITF 15,000 tournament last week with the German winner Silvia Ambrosio is now followed by the next one, this time one category higher. And with a prominent cast: Because Laura Siegemund, 2017 winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart and 2020 alongside Vera Zvonareva even champion at the US Open, is also serving in Annenheim. Just like a week later in Pörtschach (ITF-60s), one of the most traditional tennis locations in Austria - who doesn't remember the legendary Davis Cup encounters, such as against the Swedes in 1999?
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Good chances for the local heroes
In the future, however, women should set the tone in the tennis destination of Carinthia. Because the Ossiacher as well as the Wörthersee are just two of the numerous locations in Austria's southernmost province, where you can combine bathing fun and top-class sport in the best possible way. Further tournaments are already planned for next year, for example one at Lake Faaker See.
From a sporting point of view, the tournament series offers good opportunities, especially for the local players, to score important points for climbing up the world rankings. For example, the up-and-coming Sinja Kraus, Alina Michalitsch, Nina Plihal, Mavie Österreicher or the more experienced Melanie Klaffner are represented in the main field in Annenheim. Mira Antonitsch and the long-time red-white-red number one, Barbara Haas, will also join in Pörtschach.
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Incidentally, the field is led this week by Aliona Bolsova. The 24-year-old, who plays for Moldova and Spain, is ranked 83rd in the current WTA world rankings. Not a bad calling card for a tournament in the 25 category. And the tennis destination of Carinthia.