KASSEL, July 9, 2016

The ITF Pro Circuit will return to Kassel for the 19th edition of the Wilhelmshöhe Open, held from 17 to 24 July 2016 at the venue of the Tennis Club Bad Wilhelmshöhe 1896. The tournament will offer a total prize purse of $25,000 plus hospitality for the first time.

Artem Smirnov leads the current entry list. The world number 256 from the Ukraine has already captured 21 Future titles in his career and eyes on celebrating his first triumph on German soil. Four local players will also come to Kassel. Daniel Masur, who lifted the trophy of the Südwestbank Tennis Grand Prix in Schwieberdingen in January, as well as Peter Torebko, who was the unlucky fellow in Kassel last year. The 28-year-old was forced to retire in the opening set of the 2015 final against Oriol Roca Batalla due to injury. The duo will be joined by German youngster Jan Choinski and leftie Mats Moraing.

The Hessian Tennis Federation awarded its two wild cards to Julian Lenz and Nils Brinkmann. 30-year-old Slovenian Rok Jarc, who plays at German club ST Lohfelden, receives the invitation from the tournament’s organizers. The last wild card will be announced by the German Tennis Federation. The cut-off is at world number 477.

With the increase in prize money, the Wilhelmshöhe Open remains the most prestigious tournament of its category in Germany.  “Instead of $2,160, the singles champion will take away $3,600 in prize money this year. The runner-up will receive $2,120,” tournament director Dr. Eberhard Engelmann told and added:

“Due to the support of our loyal sponsors, we have been able to cope with this task.”

The tournament will start with the qualifying on July 17. The doubles final will be played on Saturday, July 23 and the singles final takes place on Sunday, July 24. Tickets can be bought through the official website.