Tournament director Julia Adlbrecht: "The 60s in Pörtschach should become a figurehead"
The next round of the Carinthian Ladies Lakes Trophy in Pörtschach will start next week. Tournament director Julia Adlbrecht has a clear idea of where the tournament series wants to go.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Jun 01, 2022, 05:22 pm
Julia Adlbrecht made it into the top 400 players in the world during her active time as a tennis pro (career high: number 366), the Carinthian has always remained true to top-class sport, so she knows what it takes to organize a successful tournament. What she has been proving for years with her partner Gernot Dreier, be it in the youth, senior or inclusion area (wheelchair tennis). The latter is particularly important to Adlbrecht: she works as a volunteer in the Carinthian Tennis Association as a women's and inclusion officer.
Next week there is a new, big task. In Pörtschach, one of the most traditional tennis locations in Austria, a tournament in the ITF W60 category is being held as part of the Carinthian Ladies Lakes Trophy. And Julia Adlbrecht is the tournament director there.
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"Actually, you need a lead time of at least one year for an event like this," says Adlbrecht in an interview with tennisnet. It's not that easy to find a venue. After all, the tour will soon visit four lakes. "We've already talked about Lake Klopeiner See, Lake Millstättersee and Lake Faaker See are also possible." The tennis destination of Carinthia has a lot to offer.
Julia Adlbrecht - "A role model like Dominic Thiem would help enormously"
Which is why the sports and tourism department of Austria's southernmost province is also involved in support. Especially since the tournaments are held in the early and late seasons. At the moment the women in Annenheim are at work, after the 15th the 25th will be held this week, the Ossiacher See sends its regards. Of course, it is obvious that the budget is not limited to paying out the prize money. "You definitely have to calculate with twice as much," tournament manager Adlbrecht continued. "We have to take care of the shuttle service, for example, the players need a lounge where they can switch off between matches."
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A few days before the start of the tournament, it is still not clear who will use this service next week. "A wildcard is still open. Laura Siegemund asked, but we award this starting place in close consultation with the Austrian Tennis Association," Adlbrecht continued. At the moment it looks like wildcards for the main draw for Sinja Kraus or Melanie Klaffner, Elena Karner, Mavie Österreicher and Mira Antonitsch. In the qualification, Nina Plihal, Lilli Tagger, Laura Pasterk, Ines Faltinger and Sophia Piech get a chance.
Julia Grabher, the current number one, is unlikely to open in Pörtschach. Barbara Haas is still worried about injuries, she might even slip straight into the 32 field.
The demands are high for Julia Adlbrecht. In many ways. "The 60s in Pörtschach should become a figurehead," says the 44-year-old in an interview. Also with regard to the general conditions. “Our goal is that we have at least 50 percent female linesmen and referees and staff, and 100 percent of the ball children.” Adlbrecht also sees this as part of her work in the Carinthian Association. How are the girls getting in? "We are on a good way. But of course it would help enormously if we also had a role model like Dominic Thiem for the women.” Such role models are created at tournaments like the Carinthian Ladies Lakes Trophy.
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