Interview with tournament director Roland Hobacker about the ITF tournament "Tennis International Darmstadt"
Tennis International Darmstadt has been an integral part of the ITF calendar for decades-this year for the 49th time. In an interview, Roland Happy, one of the formative heads behind the tournament, speaks about the special features of the tournament, sporting perspectives, challenges in the organization and his wishes for the anniversary tournament 2026.
Mr. Hobacker, the "Tennis International Darmstadt" has a long tradition. In your view, what makes the tournament so special - for players, spectators and the organizing association TC Bessenung?
On the one hand, we have been a permanent address in the international tournament calendar for 49 years now, with an impressive tradition and big names that have already played here. But what really distinguishes us is the special atmosphere: the players are welcomed familiar with us, and the tournament is carried by the association completely on a voluntary basis. In this one week the entire club is behind the event - we work together, but we also celebrate together. That makes up the character of this tournament.
Is there an anecdote in tournament history that you don't want to withhold from our readers?
Oh yes! I remember Isabella Schinikowa well - an ambitious player who did not like to accept it when she lost. In a double match, she once had a frame hit that flew directly into an apero -glass of a viewer. The glass broke, the scene was strange - and she herself laughed as warmly as it was before (which was actually not her case, it was more of the female John Mcenroe on the square, editor's note). The whole thing was even filmed and then went viral on YouTube. A really unique moment, nobody can try it in a million (laughs).
With the W35 category, the tournament belongs to the middle level of the ITF tour. What role does a tournament of this size play in the development of young players - and how do you assess the sporting quality this year?
A W35 tournament is a classic springboard-with us athletes playing in the ranking between 150 and 450. In qualifications, it sometimes goes even further down to 800. This means that if you want to get into the world rankings or want to climb, you cannot avoid this category. Even a Jannik Sinner or a Carlos Alcaraz started at this level. Some make the jump very quickly - others need more time. But through these tournaments all have to go through. Also this year we have a lot of quality in the places.
Some later top players such as Steffi Graf, Anke Huber, Andrea Petkovic or most recently Laura Siegemund have already opened here. As is more important today: Who plays here has potential for more?
Of course we hope that every year. For example, Victoria Mboko won last year - she is already among the top 100 in the world today, played in Paris and Wimbledon and improved by over 300 places in one year. This shows how much quality is on the pitch. Often we don't know ourselves whether we are experiencing a "big girl" upcoming - but sometimes it is actually the case.
What challenges does the organization of a one -week professional tournament bring with it - especially on a voluntary or semi -professional basis?
The biggest challenge is to bring Constance in over the years - especially with the sponsorship money. It's about keeping existing partners and winning new ones when someone jumps off. And of course we need committed helpers every year. We never have too many of them - that remains a permanent topic.
How have the tournament and environment have changed in recent years - for example with a view to the viewer interest or support from sponsors?
The number of spectators is relatively constant - although the weather is always a decisive factor. It is not too hot, nor is rainy weather either. This year, at least in the first few days, hope will make hope. As for the sponsors: We have many long -time partners, which is very lucky. But of course we have to do persuasion again every year. If someone jumps off, we try to fill the gap quickly and adequately. The pressure remains.
In 2026 the tournament celebrated its 50th anniversary. What are your wishes for this special event?
An unfulfilled wish would be sure to have Steffi Graf here - she was already on our facility at 14, but whether she is traveling out of Las Vegas is questionable. It is more realistic to set up a special budget together with our sponsors with which we can implement a special event. Maybe we invite former winners or organize a show - something that meets our anniversary. That would be my greatest wish.
