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Mourning for Leo-Günther Huemer

Leo-Günther Huemer, founder of the ATP tennis tournament in the Wiener Stadthalle, died at the end of March at the age of 87.

by p.m
last edit: Apr 14, 2023, 04:00 pm

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Leo-Günter Huemer was probably the defining figure for the Vienna Stadthallen tournament
© GEPA Pictures
Leo-Günter Huemer was probably the defining figure for the Vienna Stadthallen tournament

Born in Linz, he started working in the Wiener Stadthalle in 1962 and was put in charge of the events department in 1966. In 1974, together with the sports journalist Hermann Fuchs, Huemer implemented the idea of an international tennis tournament in the Wiener Stadthalle and held the position of tournament director until 2007. Today's Erste Bank Open emerged from the Vienna Open, which was held for the first time in 1974.

The event quickly developed into a world-renowned tournament under Huemer. Stars like Brian Gottfried, Stan Smith, Ivan Lendl, Michael Stich, Goran Ivanisevic, Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have in the more than three decades that Leo-Günther Huemer led the tournament, entered in the list of winners. In 2008, Huemer handed over his agenda to Herwig Straka from Styria, but continued to work in an advisory capacity afterwards.

"Leo-Günther Huemer worked with great commitment on the development of the tennis tournament in the Wiener Stadthalle. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the event has gained great international importance. It was both an honor and a distinction for me to succeed him as tournament director. But even after that he was still a prudent advisor and friend to me, whose word always carried weight. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Christa and all of his family. Leo will definitely get a place of honor at the Erste Bank Open, because without him this tournament wouldn't exist," says Herwig Straka.

The Austrian Tennis Association also expressed its condolences

There is also great sadness at the Austrian Tennis Association. “Together with Hermann Fuchs, Leo-Günther Huemer practically built the Vienna tournament out of the ground and thus achieved something sensational for Austrian tennis, which owes them a great deal. Leo-Günther always strived to bring the absolute top players to Austria and worked meticulously and hard for it. With the tournament, he also demonstrated great vision and was a unique person. His passing is also very painful for me personally, because with him I have lost a great mentor from my younger years and a friend," explains Thomas Schweda, ÖTV Managing Director Economy.

"Leo-Günther Huemer has had a significant impact on the history of the Wiener Stadthalle and has been responsible for many successful major events. We also have him to thank for being able to host an annual tennis tournament on the ATP tour in Vienna. At that time we started with prize money of 25,000 US dollars and now the Erste Bank Open in the Wiener Stadthalle is one of the largest annual sporting events in Austria,” says Wien Holding Managing Director Kurt Gollowitzer.

by p.m

Friday
Apr 14, 2023, 06:00 pm
last edit: Apr 14, 2023, 04:00 pm