This was arguably the most emotional victory of Tamara Korpatsch's career. The 31-year-old from Hamburg has won her second WTA Tour title in her hometown, conquering the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open 2026. The local hero, who also plays for Der Club an der Alster in the Bundesliga, defeated Hungarian Anna Bondar in 87 minutes with a very solid performance, 6:3 and 6:3. Her only previous WTA title came in Cluj, Romania, in 2023 – now she has crowned a fantastic week with a powerhouse performance in front of 5,000 spectators on the Center Court at the Tennis Stadium am Rothenbaum.
With this victory, Korpatsch is the first German tournament winner in Hamburg since Steffi Graf, who last won on the red clay at Rothenbaum in 1992. „I didn't know that. That's really great news. I feel very honoured,“ said Korpatsch, visibly moved after one of the greatest successes of her long career. She had worked hard for this victory over the course of an intense tournament week. In her first three matches, the Hanseatic player had to go the full distance, in the semi-final she benefited from Mayar Sherif's retirement due to injury, and in the final she could celebrate a clear and well-deserved victory.
Anna Bondar reached the final at Rothenbaum for the third time in a row. After being defeated by Lois Boisson the previous year, she now had to congratulate Korpatsch on her victory. She was left with a consolation prize of 19,240 Euros, while Korpatsch pocketed 32,520 Euros for winning the tournament and was extensively celebrated by the Hamburg crowd after hitting the match-winning point. „Thank you very much for your support. I could never have done it without you,“ she said in the direction of the fans.
Anna Bondar tried everything during the nearly one-and-a-half-hour encounter but ultimately had to acknowledge the superiority of the Hamburg native: „Congratulations Tamara, you were simply the better player today. While the fans weren't on my side today, that's completely understandable. The atmosphere was wonderful again. This is such a special tournament for me. I will definitely be back next year,“ said Bondar at the award ceremony.
By winning the tournament, Korpatsch improves to 46th place in the world rankings, placing her among the top 50 players in the world for the first time. For Anna Bondar, she moved up to 77th place in the meantime.
The women's doubles competition at the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open was won by Slovenia's Dalja Jakupovic and Nika Radisic. In the doubles final, played under the closed roof of the Centre Court, they staged a spectacular comeback against top seeds Magali Kempen and Alexandra Panova, winning 5:7, 6:3 and 10:5.
In the decisive match tie-break, they produced an irresistible surge, winning the last five points in a row to claim the tournament victory.
Before the audience could get ready for an exciting final match between the two Hamburg favourites, local hero Tamara Korpatsch and „Rothenbaum specialist“ Anna Bondar, the Rothenbaum Stadium was once again thoroughly warmed up. Because at 12:00 PM, a very special highlight awaited all fans: this year's exhibition match. Tournament ambassador Andrea Petkovic welcomed former world number one Martina Hingis for a duel at Rothenbaum.
In the end, the Swiss player won the exhibition match 6-7, 6-4, 7-6. Short sets were played, with a set starting at 3-3. Tournament ambassador Andrea Petkovic showed herself to be a good sport after the defeat: „It was an honour to play against Martina. To feel on court how someone has such football intelligence is simply great fun, even if it hurts – in every muscle.“
And who does Andrea Petkovic wish to face as her next opponent in a show match? „Martina Hingis, of course, for revenge! Next year she'll be a year older, I'll train properly and then I'll win 10:5 in the third.“
There are faces that are an integral part of the Rothenbaum tournament. Year after year, they dedicate their hearts and full commitment to ensuring smooth operations during tournament week. Now it's time to say thank you – and to congratulate three very special anniversaries!
For 40 years, Frank Montag (today Chief of Officials) has been an integral part of the team at Rothenbaum. He started himself as a ball boy and now coordinates the ball boys and referees.
From linesman to the stadium announcer’s right-hand man – Matthias Brockmann has been a loyal companion for 30 years now. Thanks to his meticulous match preparation and moderation, everything runs like clockwork in the end!
Tina Koch, Head Hostess, is celebrating her 20th anniversary. She takes care of the well-being of our guests and ensures that the Rothenbaum facility is transformed into a place that visitors feel comfortable in.
A big thank you for making the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open 2026 so special too! Here's to many more years together!
The winner of the inaugural Hamburg Wheelchair Open comes from the Netherlands and is called Lizzy de Greef. The 22-year-old dominated the final on the centre court at Rothenbaum against her top-seeded compatriot Aniek van Koot, winning the title at Germany's largest women's wheelchair tennis tournament, which belongs to the Premier Tour category, with a 6:2, 6:2 victory. „It was a great honour for me to be part of the first Hamburg Wheelchair Open. Many thanks to the organisers, who did everything for us. It was truly a perfect tournament,“ de Greef summarised after an all-round successful event. „I am proud of what we have achieved here as a team! So much appreciation came from the players for our commitment and the initiative to open this new chapter for an inclusive WTA and Wheelchair event in Hamburg. I am highly motivated to continue this in the coming years,“ concluded Niklas Höfken, Sports Director of the Hamburg Wheelchair Open.
Lizzy de Greef then even managed a „double whammy“ in the evening. After her victory in the singles, she also secured the title in the doubles at the Hamburg Wheelchair Open, winning alongside her compatriot Jinte Bos against Ksenia Chasteau (France) and Lucy Shuker (Great Britain) with a score of 6-1 and 6-4.
Great atmosphere, fantastic sport with a Hamburg native in the final, parasport, and a variety of side events for the whole family – this combination made the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open 2026 a unique event. Furthermore, the WTA 250 tournament at Rothenbaum gained further prestige through the inaugural Hamburg Wheelchair Open, Germany's largest women's wheelchair tennis tournament, which is internationally recognised as one of the highest-category Premier Tour events, and an additional, attractive arena has been added. Read the tournament statement here:
Whether print products, graphics or the programme booklet – DNGL Media has been ensuring the right design for the Rothenbaum tournament for many years. We say: Thank you for this collaboration and the many hours spent together!
A hot tip: Those who wish to review the joint work can pick up the programme booklet at the info point or read the online version here:
