FIRST GRASS-COURT TITLE: MUCHOVA CROWNED KURPARK CHAMPION AGAINST OSAKA
Newly crowned Kurpark Queen Karolina Muchova happily lifted the extraordinary winner’s trophy and celebrated a very special first: her triumph at the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt not only gave the World No. 11 her first WTA 500 title, but also her first title on grass.
“I’m very happy. It couldn’t have been a better week for me here. The atmosphere was incredible despite the heat, and the stands were packed. That’s not something you can take for granted,” said former French Open finalist Muchova, who played strongly in the final in temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius, but ultimately also benefited from the injury-related retirement of her opponent Naomi Osaka.
The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan was forced to retire due to a foot injury while trailing 1-6, 0-1. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t finish the match,” said former World No. 1 Osaka, who will nevertheless take fond memories from the tournament: “It’s simply a beautiful place, and it’s always great for us players to be here.”
Kerber praises the crowd and boutique-tournament atmosphere – looking forward to 2027
It was the first grass-court final for the 28-year-old Osaka, whose Wimbledon first-round match, like Muchova’s, is scheduled for Monday. Osaka had reached the final without dropping a set, but foot pain stopped the in-form World No. 15 on Saturday. Due to the weather forecast, the final had been brought forward by two and a half hours to 11:00 a.m.
On all eight days, the Spielbank Bad Homburg Centre Court was sold out with 4,100 spectators.
Sporting Director Angelique Kerber also drew a positive conclusion. “It was a wonderful week with a lot of emotions. The atmosphere in the Kurpark and on Centre Court is unique, and you could really feel the boutique-tournament character,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion, who had celebrated her memorable farewell as a professional player with an exhibition match against Ana Ivanovic exactly one week before the final.
Kerber particularly praised the fans, who created a magnificent backdrop for the sixth edition of the WTA 500 event despite the heatwave. “I’m already looking forward to next year!” said the 38-year-old.
Venus Williams delights the fans – Sutjiadi/Zvonareva win the doubles title
The excitement surrounding seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will also live long in the memory. The grande dame, one of the most successful players of recent decades, was celebrated by the crowd during her appearances. And everyone had the chance to see Venus Williams live: the 46-year-old played her first-round doubles match alongside rising star Alexandra Eala on one of the freely accessible Helvetia Match Courts. Last year, two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, among others, also played there.
The doubles title at the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt went to Aldila Sutjiadi and Vera Zvonareva of Indonesia and Russia, who defeated the third seeds Ellen Perez and Demi Schuurs of Australia and the Netherlands 6-1, 4-6, 10-5.
