Berlin is a city known for its tumultuous history, nightlife, and modern architecture. However, in recent years, it has also established itself as an important tennis capital. Here, in the green district of Grunewald, one of the most prestigious grass tournaments in the women's tour is held annually. The German capital is regaining its former glory by attracting the world's best tennis players and delighting spectators with an atmosphere that combines the elegance of old school and the drive of modern shows. Let's get to know the main tennis events in Berlin. ### bett1open: the main women's grass tournament Since 2021, Berlin has hosted the women's WTA 500 tournament called bett1open. It takes place on the courts of the famous LTTC Rot-Weiß club in the Grunewald district. This event has become a breath of fresh air for German fans who have been without major competitions in the capital for many years. The tournament has replaced the historic German Open, which was held in Berlin since 1896. Thanks to the modern approach of the organizers and the attractive "tennis and lifestyle" concept, bett1open has quickly gained popularity and become an important stage in the preparation for Wimbledon. ### Grass courts: speed and traditions Unlike many European tournaments that play on clay or hard courts, Berlin has chosen grass. This surface is considered one of the most difficult and fastest. It requires tennis players to have perfect movement technique, sharp reaction, and the ability to play at the net. The courts in Grunewald are famous for their high-quality grass, which is prepared according to standards close to Wimbledon's. The low and slippery bounce forces players to act aggressively, take risks, and show spectacular tennis. For fans, this is a chance to see powerful serves, shortened shots, and net approaches long before the start of the third Grand Slam tournament. ### Stars who have won in Berlin Over the years, the best tennis players in the world have shone on the Berlin grass. In 2021, Ludmila Samsonova became the first champion. In 2022, the victory went to Ons Jabeur, who then reached the Wimbledon final. In 2023, success came to Arina Sobolenko, and in 2024, Elena Rybakina won the trophy. In 2025, the unexpected victory went to the Czech Kateryna Siniaokova. Several top-10 representatives are expected to participate in the 2026 tournament: Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula. Berlin courts have become the place where stars test their readiness for the main grass start. ### Atmosphere and entertainment for fans The organizers of bett1open have bet on turning matches into a real festival. Around the courts, the fan zone "Tennis Village" is set up: here, there are large screens, cyber tennis simulators, points of organic burgers and craft beer. Free master classes from coaches are held for children. The tournament has an environmental mission: waste separation is used, reusable cups, and electric cars for players' transport. Evening sessions are often accompanied by DJ sets, attracting young audiences far from traditional tennis conventions. The Berlin tournament is one of the most progressive in the tour. ### Men's tennis in Berlin: Challengers and Davis Cup While men in Berlin do not have their own ATP 250 or 500 tournament, the capital does not remain without men's tennis. Every May, the "Berlin Challenger" is held on clay courts. This Challenger 125 tournament serves as a springboard for young German talents. In addition, Berlin often hosts Davis Cup matches for the German team. For example, in 2024, the match Germany - Hungary took place here, attracting nearly 10,000 spectators in the "Max-Schmeling-Halle". It is rumored that in the coming years, Berlin may compete for the right to host an ATP 250 tournament, making the capital a full-fledged tennis center. ### Legendary Rot-Weiß courts All matches of bett1open are held on the territory of the tennis club LTTC Rot-Weiß, founded back in 1913. This place is steeped in history: legends of pre-war tennis played here, and after the war, the club became the center of the revival of German sports. The central court, named after Gottfried von Kramm, accommodates about 5,000 spectators. The proximity of the stands to the line creates a unique acoustics and pressure on players. Despite its intimacy, the atmosphere on these courts is comparable to the best club stadiums in the world. In the breaks between matches, spectators can walk through the park, where century-old oaks and linden trees grow, adding a special charm to the tournament. ### How to get there and what to see nearby The Rot-Weiß club courts are located in the district of Wilmerdorf, not far from the S-Bahn station "Heidelberger Platz". It takes 15 minutes to get from the center of Berlin by train. After the matches, it is worth walking along Kurfürstendamm - the main trade artery in the western part of the city, visiting the Berlin Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, or visiting the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Within a radius of 2 km, there are many restaurants where they serve classic Berlin currywurst and schnitzel. Tickets for tennis cost from 30 euros, making the tournament accessible to family audiences. ### Innovations: the hawk, the chip, and eco-friendly clothing In 2026, the organizers of bett1open introduced a number of technical innovations. Hawk-Eye Live systems have been installed on all courts, completely replacing line judges. For the first time in the WTA tour, a "smart ball" with an integrated chip is used: it determines not only the out but also the point of the shot, spin, and speed, helping judges and television graphics. The tournament has also become a platform for testing eco-friendly equipment: volunteers and line judges are dressed in clothing made from recycled plastic. Spectators can order food and drinks directly to the stands through the app, without being distracted from the game. ### The future of tennis in the German capital The success of bett1open has prompted the German Tennis Federation to consider expanding Berlin's presence in the calendar. Negotiations are already underway to hold a joint ATP and WTA tournament, as is done in Madrid or Rome. It is planned to build a temporary roof over the central court, allowing matches to be held in any weather. Berlin also aspires to host the Billie Jean King Cup (the women's version of the Davis Cup) in 2028. The German capital is striving to become one of the centers of world tennis, and it has everything for this: infrastructure, audience, and love for sports.
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