WOLKENSTEIN/STARNBERG, October 22, 2026
The international tennis season in Val Gardena is about to get underway, with Wolkenstein (Selva di Val Gardena) once again welcoming the World Tennis Tour. From October 25 to November 1, the Tenniscenter Wolkenstein will host the eighth edition of its men’s tournament, offering $15,000 in prize money and valuable ATP Ranking points. The event also marks the beginning of a series of three international tournaments scheduled to take place in the valley before the end of the year.
The women’s game will take centre stage from November 22 onwards. First, St. Ulrich will host a $40,000 World Tennis Tour W50 tournament from November 22 to 28, before the international circuit moves back to Wolkenstein for a second W50 event from November 29 to December 5. Both tournaments will offer the same prize money and ranking points, making Val Gardena an important destination on the international tennis calendar over the coming weeks.
Familiar names at the top of the favourites’ list
The men’s event features several familiar names, with last year’s finalists Sandro Kopp and Filippo Romano once again among the leading contenders. In 2025, the Austrian Kopp defeated Romano 6-4, 7-6(4) in the final to claim his second title in Wolkenstein. Although Romano had to settle for the singles runner-up trophy, he enjoyed success in the doubles competition, lifting the title alongside Gabriele Volpi.
However, the two finalists are unlikely to have things all their own way. Several players from South Tyrol and the neighbouring Trentino region will be eager to take advantage of the fast indoor conditions in Val Gardena.
Fellin thrives on the special conditions
One of the leading local contenders is Pietro Orlando Fellin from Brixen. The South Tyrolean knows the characteristics of the courts in Wolkenstein particularly well. The fast surface and altitude suit his aggressive playing style, built around a powerful serve and a dangerous forehand. Fellin arrives in good form after reaching the final of a $15,000 World Tennis Tour tournament on hard court in Szabolcsveresmart, Hungary, last week.
Giovanni Oradini from Rovereto also has fond memories of the event. In 2024, he reached the final and produced one of the most memorable performances in the tournament’s history. Facing Andrea Guerrieri, who has since climbed to No. 166 in the ATP rankings and made appearances at Grand Slam tournaments, Oradini saved four match points before eventually securing the title.
Stefano D’Agostino from Riva del Garda is another player to watch, with his powerful serve and aggressive forehand making him a dangerous opponent on the quick indoor courts. Manuel Plunger from Partschins will also feature directly in the main draw, alongside other familiar names from the regional tennis scene, including Maxi Figl, Nicola Rispoli and Daniel Lechner.
Two local veterans receive main-draw wildcards
Particular attention from the home crowd will be on Patric Prinoth and Erwin Tröbinger. The two 30-year-old players from Val Gardena, who have played an important role in shaping local tennis over the years, have once again been awarded main-draw wildcards. Competing in front of their home supporters makes the tournament a special occasion for both players, who will have another opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.
The organising club, TC Gherdëina, is also placing considerable emphasis on developing young regional talent. Daniel Haller from Ratschings, who represents the host club, has received a qualifying wildcard, as has Fabian Hinteregger from Vahrn, who plays for Tennis Brixen. Hinteregger regularly trains with the Val Gardena training group and is preparing for his first appearance on the World Tennis Tour.
Haller, meanwhile, already has some experience at this level. He made his qualifying debut in Wolkenstein last year and left a positive impression. Both youngsters are familiar with the fast playing conditions and will be hoping to make the most of their opportunities.
The third qualifying wildcard has been awarded to 20-year-old David Simoncelli from CT Rovereto. His invitation also highlights the close relationship between the two clubs and their respective head coaches, Stefano Bassetto and Luca Stoppini, whose cooperation extends beyond the court.
From Sinner to Riedi: a tournament with a rich history
The tournament’s history dates back to 2018, when the first two editions were held on outdoor clay courts in St. Christina during the summer. Following the cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event moved to the indoor facilities in Wolkenstein in 2021. Since then, it has established itself as a regular fixture on the international tennis calendar, with its unique combination of altitude and fast indoor conditions.
The list of former champions features several notable names. In the inaugural edition in 2018, Germany’s Peter Heller defeated a young Jannik Sinner in the singles final. The then 17-year-old from Sexten did, however, leave with a trophy, winning the doubles title alongside Giacomo Dambrosi. Alexander Weis also reached the singles semi-finals.
In 2019, Argentina’s Facundo Díaz Acosta claimed the title. Following the move to Wolkenstein, Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi triumphed in 2021, before Sandro Kopp captured his first title in 2022. A year later, Stefano Napolitano became the first Italian singles champion at the event, defeating Adrian Ötzbach in the final.
Oradini produced his memorable four-match-point comeback in 2024, while the doubles competition provided another special moment for the region. Brixen cousins Christian and Pietro Orlando Fellin won the title on their very first appearance together. Last year, Kopp returned to the winner’s circle, defeating Romano in the final. The Austrian now returns to Val Gardena as the defending champion.
Final preparations underway
Behind the scenes, preparations for the international tennis week are entering their final stages. The TC Gherdëina organising team, led by president Ingo Mair, the father of professional tennis player Laura Mair, is working alongside head coach Stefano Bassetto and long-standing tournament director Wolfgang Wanker to ensure another successful edition. The official draws will take place on Saturday.
Qualifying action gets underway on Sunday, with the main-draw players scheduled to enter the competition on Monday.
The stage is set for an exciting week in Wolkenstein. Kopp and Romano will be looking to build on last year’s success, Oradini will hope to recreate his memorable 2024 run, and Fellin will be aiming to make the most of the conditions that suit his game so well. With local favourites, experienced international competitors and emerging talents all in the mix, there should be plenty of compelling stories. And perhaps, in front of their home crowd, a South Tyrolean player will emerge as the tournament’s next champion.
