A trio of top Germans have pledged their support to the revamped Dusseldorf event as the tournament morphs into an ATP 250 on clay next May. The city had three decades of hosting the late, great World Team Cup, which died a death after last spring’s edition due to commercial considerations.
All should be much the same at the tree-shaded suburban Rochusclub for the Mark II tournament, with Philipp Kohlschreiber, Benjamin Becker and Tobias Kamke all signing on to play during the final tune-up week prior to the start of the French Open. The event runs May 16-25.
“With Kohlschreiber, Becker and Kamke in the line-up, it means three German top tennis players will be competing at the Rochusclub. It’s great news and we’re very happy,” said tournament director Dietloff von Arnim, who also ran the WTC.
German No. 1 Kohli has a special incentive to play the tournament after being signed as a brand ambassador for title sponsor Power Horse energy drinks. “The Rochusclub offers the best possible conditions and the atmosphere is simply unbelievable. I’m really looking forward to the tournament”, said Kohlschreiber, who will be playing at the venue for the ninth time.
Also entered will be confirmed Germanophile Janko Tipsarevic, ninth in the world and a big fan of both the country and the venue. The 28-year-old began his love affair with Dusseldorf during three appearances for Serbia at the WTC, two of which led to titles (2009 and the wrap up 2012 edition).
Topics: Benjamin Becker, Dusseldorf Open, German tennis news, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Tennis News, Tobias Kamke