The Webers Believed In Magic - The Story Of The Gerry Weber Open - UBITENNIS

The Webers Believed In Magic – The Story Of The Gerry Weber Open

By Staff
5 Min Read

Written by Mark Winters

Twenty-four years ago Gerry and Ralf Weber believed in magic and launched the Gerry Weber Open in the small German town of Halle. Read why the now ATP World Tour 500 series event continues to be a magical experience.

Halle, Westfalia, Germany – In 1965, the Lovin’ Spoonful released “Do You Believe in Magic.” It was the lead song, written by John Sebastian, on the folk-rock album of the same name. Twenty-eight years later, Gerry Weber and his son, Ralf, believed in magic. They launched the Gerry Weber Open in 1993.

Initially, an International Series event, it has become an ATP World Tour 500 series championship. Deciding to hold a grass court tournament in Germany was an intriguing idea. Staging it in Halle, the town in Westfalia that can’t be found on a map and is not to be confused with the Halle in the former East German Republic or even the Suesser See lakeside resort, seemed to be “Are you out of your mind?” curious.

But, as John Sebastian wrote:

“…I’ll tell you about the magic and it’ll free your soul
But it’s like tryin’ to tell a stranger ’bout rock and roll
If you believe in magic, don’t bother to choose
If it’s jug band music or rhythm and blues
Just go and listen, it’ll start with a smile…”

The Gerry Weber Open, which is now 24-years old takes place from June 13th until June 19th, has become a premier pre-Wimbledon warm-up showcase. This year’s draw features Roger Federer of Switzerland, Kei Nishikori of Japan, Dominic Thiem of Austria, Tomáš Berdych of the Czech Republic, David Goffin of Belgium, David Ferrer of Spain, Viktor Troicki of Serbia and Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. These performers are the Top 8 seeds for 2016. When it comes to Gerry Weber Open titles, Federer is the grass surface master, having won the singles eight times. Berdych was the champion in 2007 while Kohlschreiber took the trophy home in 2011.

Magic is the perfect word to use to describe the essence of Halle. Weber, who built his clothing manufacturing business in the area and became beyond successful financially, believed in the people of the town. They, in turn, feel that the Gerry Weber Open is their tournament and each year they must join forces to show the tennis world that the best grass court tennis is played there.

The attitude is clearly justified based on what they and the Webers have accomplished. Because rain is a match June, the Center Court has a closeable roof (the first tennis facility with one), which means a sudden downpour doesn’t stop play. The practice courts are also covered so that competitors don’t have to while away time, waiting for a break in the showers. Add the fact that a state-of-the-art sports park/hotel/multi-purpose complex was built a good lob’s distance from the main court only substantiates the specialness of the facility. So does the fact that the Center Court grass is raised on palates on the grounds during the year; then prior the start of the tournament, they are moved, in sections, into position creating a surface that appears to be truly magic.

Borrowing again from the poet Sebastian:

“…Yeah, believe in the magic of a young girl’s soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free…”

And the Webers certainly believed. Magic now waits for the first ball to glide over the net, showing that it still lives in Halle.

The main draw

Projected quarter-finals

(1) Roger Federer SUI Vs (5) David Goffin BEL
(2) Kei Nishikori JAP Vs (6) David Ferrer ESP
(3)Diminic Thiem AUT Vs (8) Philipp Kohlschreiber GER
(4) Tomas Berdych CZE Vs (7) Viktor Troicki SRB

Leave a comment