BONN/STARNBERG, August 4, 2025
A global sports icon made a surprise appearance at the Bonn Open: Dirk Nowitzki, the NBA legend and former Dallas Mavericks forward, paid a visit to the ATP Challenger tournament in Bonn-Beuel and even picked up a racket himself.
The 2.13-meter-tall Würzburg native spent over an hour on court, rallying with fans and visitors while showcasing impressive feel—especially with his elegant one-handed backhand. “One more,” Nowitzki kept repeating, clearly enjoying his time with the tennis ball and relishing every shot with the same enthusiasm he once displayed on the basketball court. With a powerful forehand and a constant smile on his face, the towering German cut an approachable and charismatic figure.
After his time on court, Nowitzki remained immersed in the event. He patiently signed autographs, posed for selfies, and mingled with spectators. Later, he settled onto the club terrace to watch the featured match of the day between Mikael Ymer and Gerard Campana Lee. Cheering from the sidelines, Nowitzki raised his left fist to celebrate impressive rallies, particularly supporting Ymer, a player he knows personally.
The NBA Hall of Famer stayed nearly four hours at the TC Blau-Gelb club, visibly enjoying the top-level tennis and soaking in the warm, family-friendly atmosphere of the sold-out venue. For Germany’s most successful basketball player, the Bonn Open wasn’t just an appearance – it was a day of genuine connection with the sport and its fans.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
