Berlin is a city associated with history, culture, and a fast pace. However, in the world of tennis, it has long remained in the shadow of Hamburg or Stuttgart. However, in recent years, the German capital has made a real breakthrough, becoming one of the main organizers of prestigious tournaments. Here, tradition and modernity intersect, and the audience, accustomed to football and basketball, increasingly fills the stands of the courts. What tennis events take place in Berlin and why do they attract top stars? ### bet t1 open – the main gem of the calendar Since 2021, Berlin has hosted the WTA 500 women's tournament – bett1open (formerly known as the German Open). It is held on grass courts in the prestigious Grunewald district, on the grounds of the LTTC Rot-Weiß tennis club. The tournament has replaced a long history of women's competitions in Berlin, which date back to 1896. Today, it is the perfect warm-up for Wimbledon. The organizers have created an open-air atmosphere with a fan zone, food courts, and live music, attracting a young audience. The sponsor is bett1, a German provider of energy products, adding a modern, daring touch to the tournament. ### Grass courts: a special pride Unlike many European cities where clay or hard courts dominate, Berlin has chosen grass. This puts it in the same league as London and 's-Hertogenbosch. The grass in Grunewald is considered one of the best in the world – fast, low, and fair. For players, it is a chance to adapt to the slippery surface before the third Grand Slam tournament. For spectators, it is the opportunity to see attacking, aggressive tennis where every serve can be deadly. The courts are maintained to Wimbledon standards, including the use of the same grass mixture. The natural landscape of the park creates a sense of intimacy – the central court accommodates about 5,000 spectators, but the atmosphere resembles old-fashioned club stands. ### Tennis history in Berlin: from emperors to the present day The first tennis club in Berlin opened in the 1870s. In the 1930s, demonstration matches were held at the Olympic stadium. During the Cold War, tennis was divided: the West Berlin Open was held in West Berlin, while East Germany held competitions. After the reunification of Germany, tournaments were expanded, but large events often went to Hamburg. Only in the 2020s did Berlin regain its place on the WTA map. This was facilitated by the modernization of infrastructure, as well as the desire of the German tennis federation to lighten the calendar and give the capital a chance. ### Men: club tournament and challengers There is no major ATP tournament in Berlin for men, similar to Hamburg (ATP 500). However, the capital hosts the "Berlin Challenger" – a Challenger 125 tournament on clay. Here, stars like Jan-Lennard Struff and Daniel Altmaier have emerged. Also, matches of the Davis Cup (Germany's national team) are regularly held in Berlin, which gather full stands in the "Max-Schmeling-Halle". Traditionally, an exhibition tournament "Match for Africa" is held on the courts of the "Rot-Weiß" club in the summer, with the participation of Roger Federer (now, after his retirement, the baton has been picked up by other stars, such as Alexander Zverev). Fans hope that Berlin will soon get its own ATP 250, but this idea is still being discussed. ### Stars who have shone in Berlin In the short history of the revived grass tournament in Berlin, such players as Ons Jabeur (finalist in 2022), Aryna Sabalenka (winner in 2021 and then 2023), Coco Gauff (semifinalist in 2024), Elena Rybakina (winner in 2025) have appeared. In 2026, the participation of Iga Swiatek and Karolina Garcia is expected. Legends of the past who played on the Berlin grass include Steffi Graf (from the neighboring city of Mannheim, but a great fan of Berlin), Boris Becker, and John McEnroe. The atmosphere in Grunewald is sparsely populated but requires full concentration from players: the proximity of the stands and echo of the court make it a "litmus test" of nerves. ### Atmosphere for fans The organizers of the Berlin tournament have bet on a combination of sports and lifestyle. The "Tennis Village" operates during match days: an area with a big screen, cyber tennis simulators, beer stands, and organic burgers. For children, there is a tennis school where anyone can rent a racket. An important point is sustainability: separate waste collection is used, pasta straws, and electric vehicles on transport. Berlin tennis is not an elite club but an open festival. Tickets cost from 30 euros, which is democratic for the capital. ### Berlin and Wimbledon: a bridge over the English Channel The placement of bett1open in the calendar is ideal: it ends two weeks before Wimbledon. Many tennis players use it as their last rehearsal on grass. Statistics show that winners of the Berlin tournament often reach the quarterfinals in London. For example, Ons Jabeur reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 after Berlin. For German players, it is a home tournament where they can count on the support of their home stands. Alexander Zverev has visited the women's tournament several times as a spectator, supporting his girlfriend (or just friends). Berlin is becoming a place where Western and Eastern tennis trends converge. ### Modern innovations In 2026, the Berlin tournament introduced the "Hawk-Eye Live" system on all courts (without line judges), as well as an app for spectators where you can order food directly to your seat without getting up. For the first time, a smart ball – with a chip that determines not only an out but also spin – is used, helping judges and television. The organizers have also launched a "green ticket": by buying a ticket, you donate 1 euro to the greening of Berlin parks. It is planned to build a roof over the central court by 2028, making the tournament independent of rainy German weather. ### How to get there and what to see The courts are located in the district of Wilmerdorf, near the S-Bahn station "Heidelberger Platz". It takes 15 minutes by bike or bus from the center. After tennis, you can walk along Kurfürstendamm, visit the Berlin Zoo, or the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Church. Within a radius of 2 km, there are many cozy cafes and Berlin kebab shops. Some tourists plan their trip to Berlin in mid-June to combine the WTA tournament with football matches (however, the 2026 World Cup will be in the USA, but there will be many activities in Berlin in the summer). Tip: book a hotel in advance, as bett1open attracts many foreign fans. Berlin is an ascending star on the tennis map of the world. The German capital, which has experienced a turbulent 20th century, today opens its courts to a new era. Here, they respect traditions but are not afraid of innovations. bett1open, challengers, and hopes for a men's tournament make the city an essential destination for yellow ball fans. Don't miss the summer weeks in Grunewald – you will see tennis as it is loved in Europe: intellectual, elegant, and dynamic.
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