Austria’s women’s tennis: a rise with discordant tones

The game is played in the Europe-Africa zone, in the lower reaches of women’s tennis; yesterday the opponent was Cyprus. Average age of Austrian women at the ITF event: 20.25 years.

Location Linz: At the WTA tournament (Players’ Association), fans are witnessing the upswing in domestic women’s tennis. Not only Lilli Tagger arouses interest, even the naturalized ones Anastasia Potapowawho won here as a Russian in 2023, Julia Grabher and Sinja Kraus, who lost to the Romanian Sorana Cirstea 3:6, 3:6 at the start in Linz on Tuesday, are ranked around 100.

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“Of course it’s a shame that this is happening at the same time, especially now that Austria’s women are on the rise,” says Barbara Schett, former world number seven and tournament ambassador in Linz. “I personally feel bad too Marion Maruska sorry, who is a good friend.”

Maruska is the captain of the BJKC team and like the entire Austrian Tennis Association (ÖTV) is not amused about the appointment. “This is bitter for Austrian tennis,” says ÖTV managing director Thomas Schweda, who primarily criticizes the “lack of coordination between the ITF and WTA”. There would be no such thing for men, as the ATP tour (players’ association) usually takes a break from the Davis Cup.

Sandra Reichel their hands were tied. The tournament director Upper Austria Ladies says: “We had the choice: either no tournament this year or this date. It is clear that we chose the second option.”

Maruska shows understanding for her players. “You can understand that our top players don’t want to miss the chance to play in a WTA 500 tournament in Austria.” There is prize money and points that the players need to get into the main draw at larger tournaments. Potapova had no choice at all, she is not yet eligible to play in the BJKC. “If the papers are there, I will definitely play for Austria,” says the 25-year-old.

Funding canceled

But not everything runs by itself in Linz either. Reichel has his hands full to ensure its continued existence. Ten years ago the main sponsor said goodbye, now it has been cancelled The federal government provides funding of 300,000 euros.

“I am extremely disappointed. The money was cut without dealing with the tournament. The tournament is the highest-paying women’s sporting event in Austria. An event with which we make women in sport more visible,” says Reichel, who can, however, breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the upswing in Austria. “Of course Lilli Tagger helps, but I would also like to mention the other Austrians in the same breath.” Schett also knows: “I can’t remember that Sold out Tuesday was. You can already see something of the upswing.”

Of course, one hopes not to have to play with the national team again in 2027. A team in which Schett was always successful and enjoyed playing. “That was the only opportunity where you could play as a team. Otherwise you’re on your own. And our team spirit was very good back then.”