Despite a preliminary cancellation: The NECKARCUP Heilbronn stays on the ball
The tennis tour stands still and no one knows how long this condition will continue. However, it is certain that no tournaments will be held until early June. So far, three international events in Germany have been affected by the mandatory break. In addition to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart and the BMW Open in Munich, the NECKARCUP in Heilbronn is also falling victim to the corona pandemic.
by Florian Heer
last edit:
Mar 26, 2020, 02:49 pm
Awarded as ATP Challenger tournament in 2017, 2018 and 2019, the seventh edition of the clay court event was to take place from May 11th to 17th at the TC Heilbronn Trappensee facility. "We were already ready with the preparations so that we could have started within two weeks," revealed tournament director Metehan Cebeci as part of the tennis podcast "Challenger Corner".
Tournament remains ready to go
This status has not changed until now. "We can still start right away," says the 50-year-old, who is responsible for organizing the tournament together with his wife Mine and their business partner Tom Bucher. "Now it is time to wait for the developments."
As the successor to the legendary indoor challengers in the municipality of Talheim in the Heilbronn district, in which Michael Stich and Robin Söderling had already triumphed, the NECKARCUP also had an impressive list of winners in the following years. Alexander Zverev, Nikoloz Basilashvili, Rudolf Molleker, Jan-Lennard Struff and Filip Krajinovic have been the names of the champions since their first edition in 2014.
Possible transfer in September
Whether there will be a winner in 2020 is however in the stars. "We are in constant contact with the ATP to find an alternative date for late summer, where we could host the 7th Heilbronn NECKARCUP," explains Cebeci. “If the ATP should give the green light again, however, I assume that the ATP tour will be given priority. Only then would the Challenger come into play with regard to scheduling. "
The search for a possible replacement date will undoubtedly be difficult, according to Cebeci. From the relocation of the French Open to the Bundesliga and holiday season to the start of the media round in Germany. Everything will have an impact on tournament planning. "Everything is very strange right now," says the former Turkish youth international and Württemberg champions, who runs a tennis school himself, surprised by the dynamic development in the seasonal calendar.
Cebeci has already given a specific requested date to those responsible in Monaco. “Something would be possible between the US Open and Roland Garros in early September. It is another matter whether the tournament will actually take place in the end. At least ATP knows that the NECKARCUP stays on the ball, is done and can start right away! "