WIMBLEDON CHAMPION, SWIATEK AND SVITOLINA AT THE HELM OF THE DRAW
The Wimbledon champion is returning to the Kurpark: Iga Swiatek, six-time Grand Slam championand number three of the WTA rankings is at the helm of the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt (20 to 27 June2026).
For her mission to defend her title at Church Road, thefan favourite from Poland is looking to build her confidence at the WTA 500boutique tournament. Despite having lost the final in the spa town in a tightmatch in the previous year, just two weeks later, Swiatek secured the coveted trophy at the world’s most prestigious tennistournament in Wimbledon.
Swiatek relies on trusted confidants and mentor Rafael Nadal
The 24-year-old described the conditions and the atmosphere in Bad Homburg as “extraordinary”. There was “a very special atmosphere and the Wimbledon flair can be felt in many areas,” said Swiatek, whose team now bears a touch of Rafael Nadal: the Wimbledon champion is currently coached by Francisco Roig. The experienced Spaniard was a fixture of superstar Nadal’s coaching staff for years, and Nadal has somewhat become a mentor to Swiatek. A few weeks ago, she spent some time at the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s academy in Manacor, Mallorca, where she sought some valuable tips from “Rafa”.
A strong Svitolina – all eyes on Andreeva, Muchova, Osaka, Jovic
Just like the top-seeded Swiatek, the player of the hour will be lined up at the Kurpark: the two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, Elina Svitolina (WTA no. 7), recently won the WTA 1000 event in Rome for the third time, defeating Coco Gauff in the final. The 31-year-old Svitolina, mother of three-year-old Skai and married to fellow professional Gael Monfils is positioned third in the Race to the WTA Finals, which is a testament to her excellent form. Power player Mirra Andreeva (WTA no. 8), winner of the prestigious Sunshine Doubles 2025 (Indian Wells/Miami), and Karolina Muchova (WTA no. 10), the 2023 French Open finalist, who is back in top form, also intend to have a significant say in the battle to the title. As will the four-time Grand Slam winner and former World Number One, Naomi Osaka (WTA no. 16), who to date has triumphed twice at the Australian Open and US Open, respectively.
Anticipation builds prior to the Wildcard selection inthe coming days
Fans can look forward to the teenage breaktrough player of the season, Iva Jovic (WTAno. 17). Many experts predict a great career for the 2024 Wimbledon junior champion. At this year’s Australian Open, the 18-year-old already made it to the quarterfinals and played her way into the hearts of the tennis fans.
At the end of the week, Sports Director Angelique Kerber and Tournament Director Dr. Aljoscha Thron will announce further Wildcards (a total of four are still to be awarded). Among them is a multiple Grand Slam champion …!
Final serve: Sports Director Kerber to play against Ivanovic
Kerber will play her ultimate farewell match as part of the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt event. On 20 June (3:30 p.m.), in a duel between the former world number ones, the 2018 Wimbledon champion will face her good friend Ana Ivanovic, the 2008 French Open champion.
Due to an anniversary, the sixth edition of the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt is particularly special. The TC Bad Homburg is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. The club was founded in 1876 – making it the oldest tennis club in continental Europe.
