VIENNA/STARNBERG, October 30, 2026

Herwig Straka has been honoured with the prestigious World Tennis Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment and contributions to the sport on an international level. The award, one of the highest distinctions in tennis, was approved by tennis federations from around the world at the organisation’s General Assembly.

“Together with my good friend Dietloff von Arnim, I have the great pleasure of presenting you with the World Tennis Award. It is an honour that very few people receive,” Austrian Tennis Federation (ÖTV) President Richard Grasl said as he addressed Straka during the ceremony.

“You, together with your team and sponsors, are the reason why we have been able to enjoy such a fantastic week of tennis here for so many years. Thank you very much for that.”

Grasl also highlighted Straka’s commitment to tennis beyond his role as tournament director of the Erste Bank Open. The 60-year-old Styrian, who is also a member of the ATP Board of Directors, played a key role in bringing the Davis Cup back to Vienna in September after an 18-year absence. He has also organised Davis Cup events in Germany.

Straka was visibly honoured by the recognition and expressed his gratitude to everyone who had contributed to his journey.

“Tennis means everything to me. As we have just heard, this award was approved by tennis federations from all over the world at their General Assembly. That is, of course, a tremendous honour for me,” he said.

“None of this would be possible without a fantastic team, and the Erste Bank Open has an exceptionally good one. I would also like to thank the people of Vienna for their support of the tournament. And last but not least, my thanks go to my family.”