There had never been a German double winner in the WTA Finals – until Siegemund triumphed. Now she should lead the German tennis women to a coup. But success doesn’t make it easy.
Laura Siegemund celebrated her historic tennis success with a wide-brimmed sombrero on her head. Her triumph as the first German winner in the doubles competition of the WTA Finals can give the German women’s team momentum, but can also have disadvantages for the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup.
Just a few hours after the final coup, Siegemund boarded a plane from Cancún, Mexico, bound for Seville. In Andalusia, Siegemund is expected to play a decisive role on the German tennis team’s hoped-for path to group victory and a place in the semi-finals. The first challenge against Italy is on Thursday (10 a.m./Tennis Channel).
“It definitely won’t be easy,” said team captain Rainer Schüttler to the German Press Agency. “You have to see how she gets on, how she copes with everything,” said the ex-professional, but was hopeful: “She is experienced and will certainly handle it well.”
Barbara Rittner: “This is absolutely world class”
Siegemund will certainly bring a healthy dose of self-confidence to the final round of the prestigious national competition. No German had ever achieved what she achieved at the WTA Finals. At the end of a tournament with difficult conditions and after the 6:4, 6:4 against Nicole Melichar-Martinez from the USA and Ellen Perez from Australia, she enjoyed the emotions with her Russian doubles partner Vera Swonarewa. “I never thought we would come home with the trophy,” said Siegemund.
Due to the chaotic weather conditions in Cancún, the final had to be played a day later than planned. Siegemund’s onward journey to Seville was delayed. In a short space of time, the Swabian now has to cope with the six-hour time difference and the change from outdoor tennis to indoor tennis. “In principle, she can call herself a world champion,” said Barbara Rittner, women’s boss at the German Tennis Federation (DTB), acknowledging the success of Siegemund, who was the first German finalist in the competition in 36 years. “This is absolutely world class. This will also help us as a team.”
Tatjana Maria (36 years old/world ranking 57th in singles), Siegemund (35/86th), Anna-Lena Friedsam (29/115th), Eva Lys (21/130th) and Jule Niemeier (24/162nd) compete as outsiders. An outstanding individual player is missing. Doubles becomes more important with two singles and one doubles per duel. After the start against Italy, France is the next opponent in the preliminary round on Friday. Only the first will make it to the semi-finals and have the chance to win the title of the competition on Sunday, which was called the Fed Cup until 2020.
No German in the top 50 in the world
“We are not the favorites, but we have always shown in the past that we are good for a surprise,” said Schüttler: “The goal is clearly to survive the group.” In April in Stuttgart, the tennis women qualified for the final round of the best 12 nations against Brazil. Unlike the Davis Cup men this season, who had to avoid relegation in Bosnia-Herzegovina in September. The fact that the team is balanced and good friends is a great strength, said Schüttler.
The fact that Siegemund is now number five in the world in doubles cannot hide the fact that there is no prospect of extraordinary success in singles. The fact that Maria won another WTA title in 2023, Noma Noha Akugue (19) was in the final in Hamburg or Tamara Korpatsch won a tournament for the first time is remarkable. However, anyone who looks at the rankings will be sobering. No German is among the best 50 in the world. Schüttler warns to give the talented people time: “I’m sure that one or the other will make it.”
Next year, the German tennis women will probably be able to rely on three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber in the Billie Jean King Cup, who wants to make her comeback in January after her maternity leave. “I keep my fingers crossed for them, wish them all the best and a sensation,” she said now.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
