Germany not only welcomed a new ATP Challenger Tour event this week in Ismaning, but an all-time great paid a visit to the tournament, too.
Boris Becker, the new Head of Men's Tennis for the German Federation, visited Ismaning for a press conference earlier this week to discuss the future of tennis in his native Germany, and the importance of a Challenger event like the inaugural Wolffkran Open in developing talent.
“We now have eight players among the Top 100 and players who are also capable of reaching the second round of Grand Slams,” said Becker, who was joined by German Davis Cup captain Michael Kohlmann, tournament director Dr. Peter Aurnhammer and the event’s third seed, Yannick Hanfmann. “As Head of Men Tennis, it is now my job for our players to be able to regularly access the services they need.”
Becker got to see plenty of German talent at the nation’s seventh Challenger event, with 12 players from the country competing in the main draw. Germany's Dustin Brown is the top-ranked player in the event at No. 124 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. All the players have enjoyed the tournament in its debut.
"I'm really happy with this tournament,” Hanfmann said. “Besides my home court advantage, the whole organisation of the event is really great. We have two practice courts, great hospitality - including shuttles and a nice hotel very close to the courts. The whole organisation team is professional, helpful and very friendly."
Who will put their hands on the at the inaugural #ATPChallenger in Ismaning? 🇩🇪 welcomes a 7th tournament this week with the debut of the Wolffkran Open. pic.twitter.com/9sqvpnmU2s
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 19, 2017
The tournament is being hosted by Tennis Club Ismaning, which is located in Bavaria, just north of Munich. It is the third largest tennis club in Bavaria with 15 clay courts and six indoor carpet courts. The winner of the carpet-court Wolffkran Open will earn €6,190 and 80 Emirates ATP Ranking points.