HAMBURG/STARNBERG, July 24, 2024
Andrea Petkovic has been the tournament ambassador of the ECE Ladies Hamburg Open since 2021. Ahead of the start of the WTA Tour 125 tournament, which will be held from August 4 to 10 at the Rothenbaum Tennis Complex, the 36-year-old former World No. 9 speaks about the local players Tamara Korpatsch, Noma Noha Akugue, Eva Lys, Ella Seidel, their home advantage, and other favorites.
“In my opinion Tamara Korpatsch is the best clay-court player of this quartet. She has incredible agility, can chase down so many balls, and has a very strong backhand down the line. I believe she always feels comfortable in Hamburg, and whether it’s a regular match or a tournament, she always plays well here. On her favorite surface, she is very dangerous,” Petkovic stated in a press release.
“Noma Noha Akugue had a difficult year. It’s often the case that after a major success, you need to get used that you have become a different player and everyone is aware of you now. She has now slowly adapted to this. She made some technical adjustments to her forehand to ensure success on the tour in the long-term. These things are slowly coming together, and I believe she can cause another surprise in Hamburg. She was already very close to achieving another top result against Karolina Muchova in Palermo,” Petkovic added.
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“Eva Lys enjoyed her breakthrough season in 2023. She has now qualified for all four Grand Slams and takes a step forward every year. She plays aggressive tennis, with which she can blow any opponent off the court. I think it’s incredibly important for her to know that. She feels, no matter who is on the other side, she always has a chance,” Petkovic said.
“For me, Ella Seidel was the breakthrough player at the end of 2023. She found something within herself that clicked and won several tournaments in a row. Then she qualified for the Australian Open and had that amazing match against eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka on Rod Laver Cup Arena. She has gained so much experience, and now she is at a point where she can compete for the title or at least reach the quarterfinals or semifinals in tournaments like Hamburg,” Petkovic analyzed.
“I believe that the atmosphere can be an advantage for the girls. When you are in this early phase of your career, you are not yet used to play in front of a large audience. This helped Eva and also Noma a lot last year, and I must say that Ella played a great match against Jule Niemeier as well. I think they will really enjoy being at home.”
About defending champion Arantxa Rus, Petkovic said: “Arantxa Rus is an absolute clay court grinder and once again the title favorite. I believe that the German players can give her a hard time, but if she has a good start in the tournament, she is the favorite for me. She has this incredible topspin on her forehand, which allows her to open up the court. Additionally, she has a powerful serve and backhand. I’ve played against her myself, and I’m glad I don’t have to do that anymore.”
For more information and tickets for the ECE Ladies Hamburg Open, please click here.
