VAL GARDENA/STARNBERG, November 14, 2025
In just nine days, Val Gardena will transform into a hub of international women’s tennis. The region will host South Tyrol’s two largest professional women’s tournaments of the year, staged consecutively by TC Urtijei in Runggaditsch and TC Gherdeina in Selva di Val Gardena. Both events offer $40,000 in prize money and promise high-level competition in one of the most scenic tennis settings in Europe.
The action begins on 23 November with the ITF World Tennis Tour W50 tournament in Runggaditsch, organized by tournament director Martina Moser and the dedicated team surrounding club president Patrizia Mairhofer. The following week, the series continues in Selva, where TC Gherdeina will host the second installment of this exclusive South Tyrolean tennis double.
Significant Upgrade to $40,000—A Strong Commitment to Women’s Tennis
This year, the Ortisei tournament has received a substantial upgrade: instead of last year’s $25,000 purse, the event will now distribute $40,000. The increase underscores the tournament’s growing profile and competitive level. The improved status not only provides more WTA Ranking points – crucial for players preparing for the Australian Open – but also attracts a stronger international field to South Tyrol.
Wild Cards for Two Local Players
Two wild cards have already been allocated for the Runggaditsch event. Laura Mair (22 years old, WTA No. 584) has earned a place in the main draw, while Lisa Peer, who recently claimed her first main-draw win at a $15,000 ITF event in Sicily, will compete in the qualifying rounds. Both athletes train regularly in the valley, symbolizing the close cooperation between the hosting clubs—TC Urtijei and TC Gherdeina. Additional wild cards will be assigned by the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP), which is funding the prize money.
An International Line-Up
The provisional entry list highlights the impressive international reach of the event. Leading the field is Belgium’s Sofia Costoulas (WTA No. 152), a rising Next Gen talent who has already made waves on the WTA Tour. Also confirmed are Susan Bandecchi, formerly part of TC Rungg, and Silvia Ambrosio, last year’s finalist.
Adding further intrigue is the participation of Noma Noha Akugue from Germany. The powerful 21-year-old, once ranked World No. 142, is considered one of Germany’s brightest young prospects.
What stands out most is the global diversity: of the 18 players currently entered in the main draw, 16 represent different countries, including Australia, the United States, Cyprus, Canada, Portugal, and Ukraine.
A Tournament with WTA Atmosphere
Most players will stay at the official tournament hotel Rodes in Ortisei, while others opt for more budget-friendly accommodations outside the town and commute to Runggaditsch for matches and training sessions. The indoor tennis hall – widely regarded as one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful venues – once again provides the perfect backdrop for top-level competition.
For organizer Martina Moser and club president Patrizia Mairhofer, the event is both a major undertaking and a source of pride. “We are proud to bring an event of such international importance to our valley,” said Moser.
