DIANA SHNAIDER CROWNED KURPARK WINNER: “THIS WEEK WAS SIMPLY WONDERFUL” – RECORD NUMBER OF 55,000 VISITORS

Diana Shnaider could hardly believe her luck: after the 20-year-old had won the biggest title of her career so far in the historic Kurpark, she repeatedly threw up her hands in disbelief. A moment later, however, she was holding the tangible proof of her incredible week: The very special winner’s trophy of the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt, a 3.5 kilogram bronze elephant balancing a silver tennis ball on its trunk.

Earlier in the day, in her first final at a WTA 500 tournament, Diana Shnaider defeated the experienced Donna Vekic(Croatia) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 in a thrilling final match lasting 2:12 hours. “This has been a great week,” said the world number 47, who will break into the top 30 for the first time in the new rankings on Monday. The former college player from South Carolina also braved the heat and humidity on Saturday. “The whole day was physically very tough and a special experience for me as a young player. I’m very happy to have made it.“

Headscarf and forehand whip: from party crasher to crowd favourite

In the first round of the grass-court event with Wimbledon flair, Diana Shnaider, the left-hander with the signature headscarf and the cracking forehand whip, knocked out tournament ambassador Angelique Kerber of all people. The party crasher then became the crowd favourite and defeated Dayana Yastremska (Ukraine), former world number two Paula Badosa (Spain) and third seed Emma Navarro (USA), who had reached the semi-finals of the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt in 2023, on her way to her second WTA title after the coup in Thailand in February.

The nail-biting final was a fitting end to a fantastic week of tournament action, which included a new attendance record. A total of 55,000 spectators flocked to the venue over the eight days of the tournament.

Brilliant tournament results and bright prospects – venue secured until 2029

“Our aim was to organise an atmospheric summer tennis festival in the Kurpark for everyone – with a varied supporting programme, concerts and innovations such as the extended beer garden area,” said Tournament Director Aljoscha Thron, who was particularly pleased with the positive feedback from players such as former world number one Caroline Wozniacki and Paula Badosa, who repeatedly praised the special atmosphere in the picturesque grounds of the TC Bad Homburg and the enthusiasm of the spectators.

Irrespective of further developments as the tournament moves up to WTA 500 status, the organisers are keen to retain the boutique character of the event as this is and will remain its unique selling point.

The Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt will continue to be characterised by top-class tennis with Wimbledon flair, a top-class field and a summer festival atmosphere in the freely accessible Baloise Park Village. The venue has been secured until at least 2029 – great prospects for the future!

Top seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez (USA/Australia) won the doubles on Saturday 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 against Hao-Ching Chan/Veronika Kudermetova (Taiwan/Russia).