KITZBÜHEL/STARNBERG, June 24, 2025
The player lineup for the Generali Open Kitzbühel, set to take place from July 19 to 26, has been finalized – and this year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Leading the field is the entertaining and in-form Kazakh Alexander Bublik, followed by crowd favorite Matteo Berrettini, who returns to the alpine town after his emotional tournament victory last year.
“With Matteo Berrettini and Alexander Bublik, we have secured two absolute dream players for the draw,” says tournament director Alexander Antonitsch. “Matteo wowed the Kitzbühel crowd with his charisma last year, and I was honestly surprised how eager Bublik was to join us – he’s currently playing incredibly well, and we’re thrilled to have him.”
Former champions return
In addition to Berrettini, two other recent champions are also set to return: Sebastian Baez (2023 winner) and Roberto Bautista Agut (2022 champion). “It’s always a great sign when former winners come back,” Antonitsch adds. “Having the last three champions – Berrettini, Báez, and Bautista Agut – in the draw is something special. Finalists like Pedro Martínez and Hugo Gaston are also returning, which shows that players feel at home here and love to come back.”
Clash of Generations: Wildcard for Justin Engel
Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the battle between youth and experience. 17-year-old German rising star Justin Engel has applied for a Next Gen wildcard after a series of strong performances.
“Justin is without a doubt Germany’s standout young talent,” says Antonitsch. “We’re excited that he’s requested a wildcard and will play in Kitzbühel for the first time – hopefully not the last. We’d love to work with him long-term.”
He continues: “Kitzbühel is once again the stage for a true clash of generations: players like Marin Čilić and Roberto Bautista Agut are more than twice Justin’s age. That mix of experience and emerging talent is exactly what gives our tournament its unique character.”
Austrians on the brink – more wildcards possible
From a local perspective, Filip Misolic and Sebastian Ofner are currently confirmed for the main draw of the Generali Open Kitzbühel via wildcards. However, both are at the top of the alternates list and could earn direct entry based on the final rankings. If that happens, their wildcards would become available for other Austrian players.
Antonitsch remains optimistic: “One or two homegrown players might still have reason to celebrate.”
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