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Interview with tournament director Roland Ohnacker about the ITF tournament “Tennis International Darmstadt”
The Darmstadt International Tennis Tournament has been a fixture on the ITF calendar for decades – this year for the 49th time. Roland Ohnacker, one of the key figures behind the tournament, talks in an interview about the tournament's special features, sporting prospects, organizational challenges, and his wishes for the anniversary tournament in 2026.
Mr. Ohnacker, the "Tennis International Darmstadt" has a long tradition. What makes the tournament so special from your perspective – for players, spectators, and the organizing club, TC Bessungen?
Firstly, we've been a fixture on the international tournament calendar for 49 years, boasting an impressive tradition and a host of big names who have played here. But what truly sets us apart is the special atmosphere: the players receive a warm, family welcome, and the tournament is run entirely by volunteers from the club. During this one week, the entire club rallies behind the event – we work together, but we also celebrate together. That's what makes this tournament so unique.
Is there an anecdote from the tournament's history that you would like to share with our readers?
Oh yes! I remember Isabella Shinikova well – an ambitious player who didn't like to accept defeat. In a doubles match, she once hit the frame of her racket, and the ball flew directly into a spectator's Aperol glass. The glass shattered, the scene was bizarre – and she herself laughed about it more heartily than she ever had before (which wasn't really her style; she was more like the female John McEnroe on the court, ed.). The whole thing was even filmed and subsequently went viral on YouTube. A truly unique moment; nobody could pull that off in a million attempts (laughs).
With its W35 category, the tournament belongs to the middle tier of the ITF tour. What role does a tournament of this size play in the development of young female players – and how do you assess the sporting quality this year?
A W35 tournament is a classic stepping stone – our athletes are ranked between 150 and 450. In the qualifying rounds, some even drop as low as 800. This means that anyone wanting to enter or improve their world ranking can't avoid this category. Even players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz started at this level. Some make the leap very quickly, others need more time. But everyone has to go through these tournaments at some point. We have a lot of quality competing again this year.
Several future top players, such as Steffi Graf, Anke Huber, Andrea Petkovic, and most recently Laura Siegemund, have already played here. Is it truer today than ever: Whoever plays here has the potential for more?
Of course, we hope for that every year. Last year, for example, Victoria Mboko won – she's already in the top 100 in the world, has played in Paris and Wimbledon, and improved her ranking by over 300 places in a single year. That shows just how much quality is on the court here. Often, we don't even know ourselves if we're witnessing the next "Big Girl" – but sometimes it really is.
What challenges are involved in organizing a week-long professional tournament – especially on a voluntary or semi-professional basis?
The biggest challenge is maintaining consistency over the years – especially with sponsorship funds. It's about retaining existing partners and attracting new ones when someone drops out. And of course, we need dedicated volunteers every year. We can never have too many of those – that remains a constant issue.
How have the tournament and its surroundings changed in recent years – for example, with regard to spectator interest or sponsor support?
Attendance figures are relatively consistent – although the weather is always a crucial factor. Too much heat isn't good, nor is rain. This year, at least in the first few days, there's some hope in that regard. As for sponsors: we have many long-standing partners, which is a great advantage. But of course, we have to do some convincing every year. If someone pulls out, we try to fill the gap quickly and appropriately. The pressure remains.
The tournament will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. What are your wishes for this special occasion?
One unfulfilled wish would certainly be to have Steffi Graf here – she was at our facility once when she was 14, but whether she'd travel all the way from Las Vegas is questionable. A more realistic option is to put together a special budget with our sponsors so we can put on a special event. Perhaps we could invite former winners or organize a show – something that would do justice to our anniversary. That would be my greatest wish.
