Germany takes centre stage at the ITF Seniors World Team Championships
Germany stole the show at the ITF Seniors World Team Championship last week, winning all three women’s cups across the 50+, 55+ and 60+ age categories in Umag, Croatia.
The event, taking place for the first time since 2019, saw more than 400 players represent their nations, with 103 teams from 27 different countries seeking to become world champions.
Germany soon ended those dreams for their competitors in the women’s events, taking glory in the Maria Esther Bueno Cup (W50), Maureen Connolly Cup (W55) and Alice Marble Cup (W60).
“We are so happy and proud of this great success,” said Ellen Neumann, captain of the German ladies 60's team, who recorded emphatic victories over Turkey and Slovenia in the group stage, followed by wins over France and USA.
Neumann's side dropped just a solitary set in their 10 matches against the four nations, with American Susan Wright proving the only player capable of finding a chink in the German armour in her 6-4 2-6 6-4 loss to Katalin Boeroecz.
“We knew we have strong players, but showing your best performance at the right time requires a good team spirit, where everyone supports the other on and beside court, holding back own interests to go for the team success,” continued Neumann.
The Germans were similarly formidable in the women’s 50s category, overcoming Hungary and Paraguay 3-0 and 2-1, respectively, in the group stages, before 2-1 victories over Spain and France in the knockout stages earned them the Maria Esther Bueno Cup.
“For me and my team it is unbelievable that we won the championship title this year,” said Anke Wurst, who won both her singles and the decisive doubles alongside Regina Melosch in the final. “Compliments to all of my teammates and a big thanks to Gabi as our captain!
“In all three age groups we had really good and strong players this year and very harmonious teams. To win all the titles in the age groups 50/55/60 is a special moment for us and Senior Tennis Germany. It is unique!
While not all-conquering like their geographical neighbours, France were similarly dominant in the men’s competitions, claiming the Fred Perry Cup (M50) with victory over the Dutch team, and the Von Cramm Cup (M60) after defeating Austria.
Netherlands made amends for their loss in the title match of the men’s 50 event by clinching the M55 Austria Cup, comfortably overcoming Spain – who denied France any chance of a clean-sweep of the men’s titles with their victory in the semi-finals – with three straight sets victories.
Attention turns to the ITF Seniors World Individual Championships this week, with players battling it out for individual glory across the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events in Croatia.
Discover all the latest results from the week ahead here.