MEERBUSCH/STARNBERG, March 21, 2025
For ten years, since 2013, the ATP Challenger Tour has made a stop in Meerbusch, Germany, thrilling guests and spectators alike. Last year, the tournament even welcomed world-class female players for the first time.
“It was impressive to see what the ladies could do on the red clay,” said organizer Marc Raffel, reflecting on last year’s event, which saw Austrian Sonja Kraus (WTA No. 178) claim the title. “However, this year, we have decided to once again bring top-level men’s tennis to Meerbusch,” added Raffel, who has been successfully combining elite sports and entertainment at TeReMeer since the tournament’s inception.
Alexander Zverev, Jan-Lennard Struff & More Big Names
Throughout the years, Meerbusch has hosted renowned German players such as Jan-Lennard Struff, Florian Mayer, Daniel Altmaier, Maximilian Marterer, Yannick Hanfmann, Oscar Otte, Dustin Brown, and Alexander Zverev. Grand Slam champions Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies have also graced the courts, alongside international Davis Cup stars and current ATP Tour players like Botic van de Zandschulp (NED), Cristian Garin (CHI), Francisco Cerundolo (ARG), Bernabe Zapata Miralles, and Albert Ramos, delivering thrilling rallies and electrifying performances.
This year, from September 1 to September 7, 2025, players will compete on the ITF World Tennis Tour for a total prize pool of $30,000, with the winner earning 30 ATP Ranking points. “We expect a strong field, attracting many players from the Top 250,” said Torben Düsing, a key figure in the tournament’s newly formed initiative committee.
Fans can look forward to exciting activities, including a Pro-Am tournament, live music performances, and a premium catering selection. Several new sponsors have already joined, including Volksbank Meerbusch as the tournament’s Presenting Partner, alongside Kirschbaum Strings & Grips and Bidi Badu as official equipment suppliers.
“I am particularly pleased about Volksbank Meerbusch’s increased commitment, as they will now accompany ATP Tennis Rhein & Ruhr as Presenting Partner,” said Raffel. The tournament remains part of the DTB Internationals, a prestigious group of elite German tennis events supported by the regional tennis federations, including the Tennisverband Niederrhein.
Julia Mackowiak Named Co-Tournament Director
For the first time, 28-year-old Julia Mackowiak will take on the role of Co-Tournament Director. “Julia is highly motivated, has an excellent understanding of tennis, and is already well-connected within the player community,” said Raffel.
The tournament will feature a 32-player singles draw, a 32-player qualification field, and a 16-team doubles draw. Matches will start daily at 12 PM local time, with the doubles final set for Saturday, September 6, and the singles final on Sunday, September 7, at 2 PM local time.
“As ATP Tennis Rhein & Ruhr takes place during the second week of the US Open, it will be an exciting opportunity for many European professionals,” noted Mackowiak.
Tickets will be available from May on the tournament website, starting at just €10.
