Tennis: Hingis and Petkovic to Clash in Hamburg Exhibition Match

Tennis fans in Hamburg are in for a treat as former world No. 1 Martina Hingis and ex-top ten player Andrea Petkovic are set to compete in a special exhibition match. The encounter will take place on Sunday, August 25, at the Rothenbaum, just before the tournament's final.

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For me, it is a very special honor to be able to play against Martina Hingis. I am really looking forward to this match and am sure that the fans will experience an entertaining and exciting show.

Hingis, a five-time Grand Slam champion, previously won the Hamburg WTA tournaments in 1998 and 2000. This upcoming match marks a unique singles duel between the Swiss legend and Petkovic, who is a Hamburg tournament ambassador. "For me, it is a very special honor to be able to play against Martina Hingis," Petkovic stated. "I am really looking forward to this match and am sure that the fans will experience an entertaining and exciting show."

While the main draw of the approximately $283,000 USD tournament lacks major star power after Poland's Maja Chwalinska withdrew due to injury, Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova (ranked 49th) is the highest-ranked competitor. However, German player Tamara Korpatsch is also among the favorites, with Petkovic expressing confidence in her chances. "She deserves to win a big title. It would be fair if she is rewarded," Petkovic said.

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She deserves to win a big title. It would be fair if she is rewarded.

Adding to the event's significance, the Hamburg Wheelchair Open (ITF 500), featuring top-30 ranked players, will also be held at the Rothenbaum for the first time. Tournament director Sandra Reichel highlighted the combined events as a strong statement for women's sports and inclusion in Hamburg.

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We are sending a clear signal for women's sports and inclusion in Hamburg.