The Bitpanda Hamburg Open 2026 is set to welcome back its reigning champion, as Flavio Cobolli returns to the Rothenbaum Tennis Complex to defend his title.

The 23-year-old Italian, currently ranked No. 13 in the world, enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season in which he captured two titles—including the biggest triumph of his career in Hamburg. In that final, Cobolli delivered an impressive straight-sets victory over favored Andrey Rublev, thrilling fans with his versatile clay-court game. He added another title later in the season in Bucharest.

Cobolli has carried that momentum into 2026, already securing the ATP 500 title in Acapulco. Particularly comfortable on clay, the Italian arrives in Hamburg with ideal conditions to mount a strong title defense.

Tournament director Enric Molina Mur expressed his excitement about Cobolli’s return: “Flavio played an incredible tournament last year and won the hearts of the Hamburg fans with his title run. His return as defending champion is a strong signal for the quality of our event. With his current form and recent victory in Acapulco, he is definitely one of the players to watch.”

Cobolli himself is equally enthusiastic about coming back: “Hamburg was a very special moment in my career. Winning the title at the Rothenbaum means a lot to me. I felt comfortable from the very first day, and the atmosphere was incredible. I’m really looking forward to returning and doing everything I can to defend my title.”

The tournament will also feature a strong German presence, with players like Jan-Lennard Struff and rising talent Justin Engel already confirmed. In addition, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev will compete on home soil, aiming to capture the title in front of his home crowd.

International competition will include Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who, like last year, is set to take part in Hamburg, ensuring a high-quality and competitive field for the 2026 edition.