“You can’t pull a world No. 1 out of the hat”

Why do the world’s best players love coming back to Stuttgart?

Markus Günthardt: “We offer the players an environment in which they can display their best tennis. A fantastic indoor arena, everything within easy walking distance, a great crowd that always ensures a fabulous atmosphere – no matter whether a top star or a qualifier is on court.”

Anke Huber: “The feel-good factor plays a big role too. The players come to us even though we don’t have the biggest prize money here, and we don’t have the most ranking points. It’s a great statement telling us just how much they love being here. We do however try to anticipate their every wish.”

How difficult is it to keep fulfilling the Stuttgart crowd’s expectations?

Huber: “Our crowd is obviously spoilt. But we aspire to be able present them with the world’s best players year in, year out in the Porsche Arena. Nevertheless, it isn’t a given to have six Top 10 players, including some of the most successful in the last 12 months and a total of four Grand Slam champions. We’re therefore all the happier to have managed it once again this year.”

Günthardt: “Having such a strong field is the wish of every tournament director. It’s for sure not too exaggerated to say that the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, in terms of the quality of the players and the matches, is comparable to the second week of a Grand Slam. And our main prize for the winner, a Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet this year, is unique the world over.”

But the top players could quite easily buy one for themselves…

Günthardt: “Quite right, but winning the car in the final in front of a sell-out Porsche Arena crowd and then to drive it out onto Centre Court is something very special. They are moments money can’t buy.”

Which players are you particularly looking forward to?

Huber: “I’m a big fan of Coco Gauff. She not only plays outstanding tennis but, even at the age of 22, has an unbelievable aura. She’s a real personality both on and off-court.”

Günthardt: “After four appearances in the final, I wouldn’t begrudge Aryna Sabalenka the chance to drive the winner’s Porsche back home. Now, I can’t wait to see Alexandra Eala, the first Philippine to play at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. She’s made incredible progress."

Five German players are, partly via wild cards, in the main draw. Who do you think will go the furthest?

Huber: “Laura Siegemund is the local hero and won here in 2017. She’s always good for a surprise. If she’s in form, then she can go deep. Eva Lys caused a sensation last year when going on a winning run at the Australian Open, and is on the right track.”

In the Billie Jean Cup, Germany and its young team have been relegated again. Do our talented youngsters lack a will to perform?

Günthardt: “I wouldn’t say that. You simply can’t pull a world No. 1 out of the hat. I get the impression that the talented youngsters in Germany are given professional guidance. It will pay off at some stage.”

Up until then, you have to help out with wild cards?

Huber: “Being a tournament in Germany, we have a responsibility towards our German juniors. We’d like to meet it.”

In addition to world class tennis, you also offer the visitors attractive side events. What can we look forward to most of all?

Günthardt: “A real highlight is the premiere of the Porsche One Point Challenge on the opening day of main draw main draw matches on Monday. It’s a new and really exciting show event. Alongside tournament stars like Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, Laura Siegemund and Eva Lys, celebrities like the former Formular 1 driver Mark Webber and Fabian Bredlow, a VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper will be taking part. They will be joined by five ambitious amateurs. Each match will consist of a single point. Just one rally is decisive. I’m really looking forward to the premiere as the opener for a hopefully thrilling tournament week.”