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Organizers are looking forward to the anniversary
The big stage belonged to two very different players on this final Sunday: Francesca Curmi, an experienced ITF athlete with a solid world ranking, faced Germany's rising star Josy Daems, who had entered the tournament with a wildcard – and fought her way to the final of the W35 tournament with great heart. But the final was a one-sided affair: Curmi dominated from the start, playing tactically astute, flawlessly, and unfazed by the over 30-degree heat at the TC Bessungen facility.
Daems, on the other hand, seemed worn down by the intense tournament week, too nervous and prone to errors to keep the match competitive. Only in a few moments did glimpses of what had brought her so far shine through: courage, pace, precision. In the end, it was 6-2, 6-0 – a well-deserved victory for Curmi, who not only won over the audience with her athletic prowess but also with her personality. After the match, she spontaneously sang "Happy Birthday" to her coach – a charming end to a high-caliber tournament.
Praise from the Hessian Tennis Association
Praise also came from the Hessian Tennis Association, which highlighted the women's tournament series in Hesse – with Bad Homburg, Wiesbaden, and Darmstadt – as a particular flagship event. Their statement read: "We are incredibly proud of this women's tournament series and delighted to be able to actively support it. A tremendous amount of volunteer work goes into it. When I called Roland on Sunday to clarify an organizational matter, he was – as so often – busy working on the tournament. That certainly wasn't the only Sunday he dedicated to this event." The association expressed its deep gratitude to Roland Ohnacker and the entire organizing team – coupled with great anticipation for the 2026 anniversary tournament: "That will definitely be a huge celebration."
Peter Lehr (Sparkasse Darmstadt): “Roland, you are holding the flag high here”
The sponsors also expressed their appreciation. Peter Lehr, representing Sparkasse Darmstadt and the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe (Savings Banks Finance Group), addressed the tournament director directly: “Roland, you're doing a fantastic job again. You've once again immersed Darmstadt in the international world of sports. We'll have to wait for Champions League matches for the 98ers – but you're keeping the flag flying high here with your club, where I'm a member and occasionally play myself. Thank you so much for that.” He also promised: “When the tournament celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, Sparkasse and the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe will, of course, be there to support you again.”
The Tennis International Darmstadt 2025 thus concludes with a clear sporting victory, but also with many emotional moments. And a powerful message: This tournament is alive – fueled by passion, volunteer work, and sporting culture. And it is rapidly approaching its 50th anniversary.
