NUSSLOCH/STARNBERG, January 7, 2026
The sporting countdown to the MLP Cup 2026 officially got underway with the MLP Cup Wildcard Challenge, held from 2 to 4 January at the Zentrum Aktiver Prävention (ZAP) Nußloch. In a remarkably strong and competitive field, ambitious players battled for the coveted wildcards for the MLP Cup, which will once again bring international top-level tennis to Germany’s Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region at the end of January.
The main-draw wildcard for the MLP Cup 2026 was secured by Tom Zeuch of TC Alsfeld. The player from Lower Saxony held his nerve in a high-quality and hard-fought final, edging past local favorite Moritz Hoffmann (TC Weinheim) in a dramatic match tie-break. With his victory, Zeuch earned a place in the MLP Cup 2026 qualifying draw.
Once again, the Wildcard Challenge proved to be an integral part of the tournament’s preparation phase. It offers talented players a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities and take a decisive step toward the international stage of professional tennis. At the same time, the event underlines the MLP Cup’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and high-performance tennis.
Outlook: International Tennis in Nußloch
From 25 January to 1 February 2026, the Zentrum Aktiver Prävention in Nußloch will host the 21st edition of the MLP Cup. The international ITF World Tennis Tour event offers a total prize pool of $30,000 and is expected to attract players from around the globe to the town at the southern edge of the Bergstraße. Across a full season, the ITF World Tennis Tour distributes approximately $30 million in prize money worldwide.
The official entry deadline closes next week, after which the final player field for the MLP Cup 2026 will be confirmed. Details on the national and international competitors set to battle for valuable world ranking points in Nußloch will be announced shortly.
Beyond high-class tennis, spectators can once again look forward to a special tournament atmosphere, thrilling matches and a diverse supporting program. The Wildcard Challenge has already made one thing clear: anticipation is high, and the MLP Cup 2026 promises tennis of the highest sporting standard.
