HAMBURG, April 5, 2025
Setting sail into a new chapter, Hamburg’s flagship women’s tennis tournament is moving forward with a new name and a prestigious partner. The world’s largest shipping company, MSC, has become the new title sponsor of the international WTA tournament at the historic Rothenbaum Tennis Complex. The event, returning as a WTA Tour 250 tournament, will now be known as the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open and is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 20, 2025.
A Perfect Match
“I’m delighted to welcome MSC as our new title sponsor for the WTA tournament in Hamburg,” said Tournament Director Sandra Reichel. “MSC is deeply rooted in Hamburg while also connected to the world, which mirrors the spirit of our event that welcomes players from around the globe and is steeped in local tradition dating back to 1896.”
Reichel is once again joined by tournament ambassador Andrea Petkovic, former Top 10 player and runner-up at the Rothenbaum tournament’s WTA comeback four years ago. “Thanks to MSC’s sponsorship, we now have greater planning security, which allows us to continue developing this tournament—already one of the most significant women’s sports events in Hamburg and northern Germany,” Petkovic added. “And with Eva Lys, Ella Seidel, Noma Noha Akugue, and Tamara Korpatsch, Hamburg is the true capital of German women’s tennis.”
Shining Even Brighter
Reichel emphasized her vision for the event: “When I acquired the WTA license in 2021, my goal was to create a beacon for women’s sports in Hamburg. Thanks to our new partnership with MSC, that beacon now shines even brighter, increasing our national and international visibility.”
She also outlined the tournament’s broader mission: “We want to be more than just a tennis event. Through our four-pillar model—focusing on women’s sports and gender equality, inclusion, youth development, and sustainability—we support Hamburg’s Active City strategy.”
The collaboration with MSC is initially set for two years.
MSC: Supporting Tradition and Excellence
“This professional women’s tennis tournament has a long history in Hamburg,” said Nils Kahn, CEO of MSC Germany. “It’s a sporting highlight in the city’s calendar and represents values we hold dear as a family-run global company: tradition, community, international reach, and excellence. We’re proud to support the continued success of this special event.”
Hometown Hero Eva Lys to Compete
It’s already confirmed that Germany’s current No. 1, Eva Lys, will take to the court in her hometown. The 23-year-old made a breakthrough at the Australian Open by reaching the Round of 16 and has since solidified her status as Germany’s top player.
“I can’t wait to play at home again,” said Lys. “The support I received—especially from Hamburg—during and after the Australian Open was overwhelming. Playing at the Rothenbaum again will be really special, and I hope to see lots of fans during the tournament week.”
Tickets Now on Sale
Fans eager to witness world-class tennis in Hamburg can now secure their seats. Tickets are available via www.hamburg-open.com or the hotline +49 1806 99 11 75, with prices starting at just €25. Discounts are available for children, students, and individuals with disabilities, and special offers will be available for various theme days.
