HAMBURG, February 20, 2024
The stars of the international tennis circuit are expected to return to the base of the Hamburg Tennis Association a little earlier than expected. The indoor tournament, traditionally held in October, will take place this season for men with the Challenger Hamburg from March 10th to 17th. The players will compete for a total prize money of €36,900. The tournament winner will receive not only a check for €5,080 but also 50 points for the ATP World Rankings.
Among the former champions of the Challenger Hamburg is Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, who was successful in 2019 and, following his triumph in the Hanseatic city, made it into the top 25 in the world. Taro Daniel from Japan (2020), Swiss player Alexander Ritschard (2022), and veteran Illya Marchenko from Ukraine (2023) have also left their mark on the list of champions.
“It was a very nice tournament. The organization was perfect. The conditions in the hall suited my game, and the support from the spectators was great. I’m glad to have been here,” a happy Marchenko remarked following his success last season.
Top-class tennis for free
This year, visitors can once again look forward to international top-class tennis, with admission being free throughout the entire tournament week. Qualification begins on Sunday, March 10th, with a total of 24 participants. The players of the 32-man main draw will enter the action on Monday, March 11th. The singles final is scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, at 1:00 PM local time. Additionally, a doubles competition with 16 teams will be held.
“In terms of the field, we expect a good mix of young, up-and-coming talents and some experienced veterans of the tennis tour. Of course, there will also be some local favorites in the mix. That’s part of the charm of a Challenger event,” explained tournament director Björn Kroll.
Open Wild Card event starts on the weekend
Prior to the Challenger Hamburg, an open Wild Card tournament with 32 participants and a prize pool of €6,000 will take place from February 23rd to 25th. The winner will not only receive a check for €2,500 and valuable points for the German ranking but also a spot in the qualification of the following ATP Challenger tournament.
The Challenger Hamburg is supported by the City of Hamburg (Active City), the Regional League North-East, the men’s professional tennis organization ATP, and the German Tennis Federation (DTB).
