KASSEL, October 2, 2015

In May the ITF Board of Directors approved an extensive programme of prize money increases for the US-$ 15,000 Future events starting in 2016. The new regulation applies for Germany’s biggest ITF Future tournament in Kassel, which is going to be an US-$ 25,000 + Hospitality- (main draw players can stay free of charge at the Intercity Hotel in Kassel) event next year. The increase in prize money has to be born by the organizers.

“It means that we have to talk to our loyal sponsors and we also need to find new financial support. This is essential in order to secure the future of the Wilhelmshöhe Open,”  the director of the Tennis Club in Kassel Dr. Westhelle told and is confident to do so, as the tournament’s reputation in Germany is very positive.

“The quality in terms of sportive as well as atmospheric aspects is excellent, “ tournament director Eberhard Engelmann says. “This is well-known at the International Tennis Federation and the German Tennis Federation.” Due to the higher amount of prize money the organizers hope to even increase the level of players participating next year. “A tournament of the category US-$ 25,000+H is close to an ATP Challenger event. Consequently, you can hope for players, who are even better ranked than in the past,” Engelmann added.  This year’s Wilhelmshöhe Open top-seed was world number 234 Oriol Roca Batalla from Spain, who eventually lifted the trophy.

The 2016 edition is going to take place one week later than usual from July 17 to 24.