STUTTGART, January 13, 2016

For the first time in 20 years the Mercedes Cup has received a great honour by the ATP. The inaugural grass court edition, held at the TC Weissenhof in Stuttgart last year, was awarded “Most Improved Venue in the European Region”. Tournament director Edwin Weindorfer received the Award of Excellence last week in Monte Carlo from ATP Excecutive Chairman Chris Kermode and Tournament Representative Mark Webster. During the 1990s the tournament in Stuttgart was honoured with three different awards, the last time in 1996.

“With this award the ATP took account of the great efforts and investments the Mercedes Cup underwent to switch the surface from clay to grass within a very short time. The players could enjoy grass courts of best quality and the spectators were able to convince themselves of several innovations and improvements at the venue of the TC Weissenhof. All that together, the 2015 edition resulted in one of the most memorable tournaments in the long history of the Mercedes Cup,” told David Massey, Executive Vice President ATP Europe.

Mark Webster, Edwin Weindorfer and Chris Kermonde (photo: Mercedes Cup)

“We are very happy to receive one of the most prestigious ATP Awards for the Mercedes Cup after almost two decades. The tournament’s new appearance in combination with top on court-performances, culminating in Rafael Nadal’s triumph, contributed to the success in 2015. I would like to thank the ATP for this award. I also want to thank our long-time title sponsor Mercedes-Benz, the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon as well as the Engelmann company, who all supported the change of surface in a great way. With Roger Federer and the world’s best doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan we want to continue our successful way in 2016,” told Weindorfer.

Federer Express is heading for Stuttgart

“This award is a confirmation that it was the right decision to change on grass and that it worked out very well,” stated Gert Brandner, chairman of the TC Weissenhof. With this year’s Mercedes Cup, taking place from 4 to 12 June 2016, the tournament’s 100th edition will be celebrated.

Tickets can bought via the tournament’s official website.