TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR KERBER LOOKING FORWARD TO VENUS WILLIAMS
Angelique Kerber visibly looked forward to the eight days of tournament action ahead. The tournament director of the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt (running through June 27) made no secret of the fact that she is especially excited about the appearance of one particular player: Venus Williams.
I’m really looking forward to seeing her,” Kerber said during Friday afternoon’s draw ceremony at the headquarters of FERI, where she served as the draw’s lucky hand alongside Andrea Petkovic.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, who will also compete in the Wimbledon doubles event with her sister Serena and is regarded as one of the most successful players of the past decades, received what Kerber described as “a good draw.” In the first round, the 46-year-old wildcard recipient is expected to face a qualifier on Monday. Should she advance, she would meet fourth seed Karolína Muchová (WTA No. 10) in the round of 16. Fans can look forward to seeing a true global icon of the sport who has long since achieved legendary status.
French Open Champion Andreeva and Osaka Take Advantage of Excellent Conditions
Eva Lys also faces an intriguing challenge, opening her campaign against Emma Navarro (WTA No. 25). Should the Hamburg native prevail, she would face top seed, Wimbledon champion, and last year’s Bad Homburg finalist Iga Świątek in the round of 16 of the WTA 500 boutique tournament. The world No. 3 from Poland once again feels right at home in the spa town. The same can be said for newly crowned French Open champion Mirra Andreeva and four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka. All three world-class players arrived in Bad Homburg unusually early to take advantage of the tournament’s exceptional conditions. “I really enjoy the Wimbledon atmosphere that you can always feel so strongly here,” Świątek repeatedly said last year.
For 19-year-old Andreeva, the tournament marks her first appearance since her triumph in Paris two weeks ago. Her coach, Conchita Martínez, won the Wimbledon title in 1994, which is one reason why the successful duo is thoroughly enjoying their time at the facilities of TC Bad Homburg, a club celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
Strong Qualifying Field Featuring Badosa Begins on Saturday
While the top four seeds (Światek, Andreeva, Elina Svitolina, and Muchová) receive first-round byes at the grass-court event, which offers nearly $1.2 million in prize money, qualifying begins on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Representing Germany in the qualifying draw are Ella Seidel, Tamara Korpatsch, and 16-year-old wildcard Mariella Thamm. Former world No. 2 Paula Badosa is also competing. As always, admission to the Helvetia Match Courts 1 and 2 as well as the Helvetia Park Village is free of charge.
Emotional Farewell for Kerber
A special moment also awaits Angelique Kerber on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The three-time Grand Slam champion will officially conclude her playing career with the “Final Serve” exhibition match on the Spielbank Bad Homburg Centre Court against her friend Ana Ivanovic. “It will be emotional, but I’m incredibly excited for this day. It’s the perfect stage for this farewell match,” emphasized the 38-year-old.
