Press-Information Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2016

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Contents

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2016

Tournament information 4

Information at a glance 7

Timetable of the 2015 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 12

Supporting Programme 13

Berenberg Classics 17

The Players 24

The Top 10 – short bios 25

Prize Money 29

The winner’s car: Porsche 718 Boxster S 30

The Tournament Directors 32

The Venue 40

The Porsche Arena 40

The court in the Porsche Arena 41

History 43

Porsche and the WTA 44

Roll of Honour 1978 to 2015, Singles 46

Roll of Honour 1978 to 2015, Doubles 47

Porsche´s Tennis Involvement 48

Porsche Team Germany 48

Porsche Talent Team Germany 59

Contacts 67

Sponsors 68

Premium Partner 79

Charity Partner 99

Tournament information

World class tennis in the Porsche Arena

Premiere at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – with Angelique Kerber in the line-up, there will be a German Grand Slam winner competing at the long-standing Stuttgart tournament for the first time in its history. The Porsche Brand Ambassador and member of Porsche Team Germany won the Australian Open in January. She is the defending champion and one of six top 10 players that will be appearing in the Porsche Arena from April 16 to 24. Awaiting the winner in addition to the prize money is a Porsche 718 Boxster S as the main prize.

The 39th edition of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – under the motto “Perfect Match” – has also attracted the stars to Stuttgart. Alongside Angelique Kerber, the other top 10 players in the line-up are Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland), winner of the 2015 WTA Finals, rising star Garbine Muguruza (Spain), Simona Halep (Romania), the multiple Fed Cup winner Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) and US Open finalist Roberta Vinci of Italy.

“Crème de la Crème”

“Our main draw field once again contains the crème de la crème,” said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt. “Particularly pleasing is the fact that we can present our spectators with a German Grand Slam winner for the first time at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Angelique Kerber. It’s always been a wish of ours.”

One player to have always thrilled many fans in Stuttgart is Ana Ivanovic from Serbia. Unforgotten is her appearance in the 2014 final when she and Maria Sharapova served up one of the best and most exciting finals in the history of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. At the end she was given a standing ovation lasting minutes on end. A top 20 player, she will be joined in the Porsche Arena by Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) and Lucie Safarova, who won the Fed Cup in 2014 and 2015 with the Czech

Republic. Also competing will be Sara Errani (Italy), who, together with Roberta Vinci, is a five-time doubles Grand Slam winner and the winner of the 2014 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix doubles title.

The extent of the status the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix enjoys amongst WTA Tour players is demonstrated by the fact that they voted it their favourite tournament in its category (Premier 700) in 2015 – for the seventh time since 2007.

Season highlight for Porsche talents

In addition to Angelique Kerber, the other players belonging to Porsche Team Germany are also looking forward to appearing in front of their fans in the Porsche Arena. Also entered are Andrea Petkovic, Sabine Lisicki, Annika Beck, Mona Barthel, Julia Görges, the surprise 2011 winner, and Carina Witthöft, who, after being supported in the Porsche Talent Team Germany, has been promoted to the Porsche Team Germany after her recent consistently good performances.

The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is also a season highlight for the Porsche Talent Team Germany members. In with a good chance of securing a main draw berth via qualifying is Anna-Lena Friedsam. The current German champion recently reached the last 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time in her career at the Australian Open. “At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the circle closes for our talented youngsters,” said Barbara Rittner, the Porsche Team Germany captain. “They can gain vital experience and learn from the world’s top players.”

Michael Stich in the Duel of Legends

On the opening day of the tournament proper, the ladies will play host to two men – and tennis history will come alive in the Porsche Arena. Germany’s Michael Stich and the American Michael Chang will serve up the traditional and eagerly-awaited Berenberg Classics Duel of Legends – held in conjunction with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – on April 18. Michael Stich is the last German Wimbledon men’s

champion (1991 in singles, 1992 in doubles). Michael Chang wrote tennis history when he claimed the 1989 French Open as a 17-year old “unknown”.

Starting proceedings will be an exhibition doubles with some big names. Porsche works driver and World Endurance Championship winner Mark Webber will team up with Michael Stich against title-holder Angelique Kerber and Michael Chang.

The tournament organisers are also turning to world class performers in the attractive supporting programme of events. One of the highlights are the performances by the famous Stuttgart Ballet on the Centre Court in the Porsche Arena – on Monday, April 18 and on finals day on Sunday, April 24. With such attractions and a wide range of sport and entertainment, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix should, according to Markus Günthardt, “this year once again become an event for the whole family.”

Ticket information

Tickets for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix can be booked on the phone (+49 711 / 2 555 555) or via the internet at www.easyticket.de.

718 Boxster S: combined fuel consumption 8.1 – 7.3 l/100 km, urban 10.7 – 9.5 l/100 km, extra-urban

6.5 – 6.0 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 184 - 167 g/km; efficiency class (Germany): F-E.

Tournament Information

Information at a glance

The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – quick facts and figures

Date 16 April to 24 April 2016, Porsche Arena, Stuttgart

Organiser Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Stuttgart

Tournament Director Markus Günthardt

Operating Tournament Director Anke Huber

Press Viktoria Wohlrapp Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG Director Porsche Sports Communications Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Stuttgart Tel: + 49 711 911-28099 Mobile: +49 170 911-4979 [email protected]

Claus-Peter Andorka C3 Stuttgart Creative Code and Content GmbH Tournament Spokesman Telephone: +49 (0)711-900-510 Mobile: +49 (0)172-6911-517 E-mail: [email protected]

During the tournament, Claus-Peter Andorka will be your on-site contact in the Press Centre in the Porsche Arena.

Competing players 32 in singles qualifying, 28 in singles main draw (4 qualifiers, 4 wild cards), 16 pairs in doubles main draw

Playing times The qualifying matches begin on Saturday, 16 April at 10.00 am (all times are local), and on Sunday, 17 April at 11.00 am. Play from Monday, 18 April through to Thursday, 21 April will start at 12.00 am. The quarterfinals on Friday, 22 April will begin at 2.00 pm. The first semi-final on Saturday, 23 April will commence at 1.30 pm as will the final on Sunday, 26 April.

Television (subject to change) The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will be televised by the regional SWR channel and Eurosport. Eurosport will show Monday’s Duel of Legends between Stich and Chang live from 6.30 pm and one match daily at 6.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday. Additionally, highlights of the first semi-final will be shown on Saturday at 5.00 pm, of the second semi-final at 8.15 pm and the final will be show on Sunday at 11.00 pm. SWR will broadcast live from the Porsche Arena from 2.00 to 4.00 pm on both Thursday and Friday and from 1.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There is a special online service available for fans all over the world as matches will be livestreamed via ran.de and tennis.de. The final will also be shown on porschetennis.de.

Tickets Tickets can be booked on the phone (+49 711 / 2 555 555) or via the internet at www.easyticket.de as well as daily at the Porsche Arena box offices during the tournament week.

Prize money 759,000 US dollars total prize money Winner - singles: 129,551 US dollars Winners - doubles: 40,524 US dollars

Main prize The singles winner will receive the prize money and the main prize, a Porsche 718 Boxster S.

Status Porsche Tennis Grand Prix The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is a WTA Premier Event tournament. It is the highest tournament category after the four Grand Slams in Melbourne, Paris, Wimbledon and New York. In the recent past, the players voted it as their favourite tournament worldwide in its category in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Sponsors Bose, CONICA AG, Fila, Rado Switzerland, Turkish Airlines, Walter Knoll AG & Co. KG, Württembergische Versicherung AG

Premium Partners Avis Budget Autovermietung GmbH & Co. KG, Babolat, Berenberg, DEKRA, Ensinger Mineral-Heilquellen GmbH, Geldermann Privatsektkellerei GmbH, Klingenberg GmbH, Konica Minolta IT Solutions GmbH, Marbach Concepte GmbH & Co. KG, OLYMP Bezner KG, Raumpflege AG, Success Hotel Group, Wilson

Charity Partners Agapedia, Plan International Deutschland, UNICEF

A look back to 2015 Singles final Angelique Kerber (GER) – Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3-6, 6-1, 7-5

Doubles final Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) / Lucie Safarova (CZE) – Caroline Garcia (FRA) / Katharina Srebotnik (IND) 6-4, 6-3

First Porsche Tennis Grand Prix First played in 1978, it is Europe’s oldest women’s indoor tournament. The first winner was the American Tracy Austin who went on to win the next three Grand Prix.

The most successful players With six wins to her name, Martina Navratilova (USA) is the most successful player in the history of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Behind her are Tracy Austin (USA) and Martina Hingis (SUI) on four wins apiece, Maria Sharapova (RUS) and Lindsay Davenport (USA) with three wins and Anke Huber (GER), Kim Clijsters (BEL) and Justine Henin (BEL), who have each won twice.

German winners Three German players have been able to win the tournament to date: Anke Huber (1991 and 1994), Julia Görges (2011) and Angelique Kerber (2015).

Men’s tournament The only Porsche Tennis Grand Prix for men was held in 1979. Two Porsche Grand Prix took place that year. For the record: the Pole Wojtek Fibak beat the Argentine Guillermo Vilas in the final and won a Porsche 928.

Internet Press Database The data bank contains texts, tournament draws, background information and photos free of charge. https://presse.porsche.de

Porsche Newsroom Additional Porsche tennis contents for journalists, blogger and online multipliers: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en

Webpage www.porsche-tennis.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/PorscheTennisGrandPrix

Twitter www.Twitter.com/porschetennis

Instagram www.instagram.com/porschetennis

YouTube www.youtube.com/porschetennisgp

718 Boxster S: combined fuel consumption 8.1 – 7.3 l/100 km, urban 10.7 – 9.5 l/100 km, extra-urban

6.5 – 6.0 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 184 - 167 g/km

Timetable of the 2015 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Day Time Place

Saturday, 16 April 2016 (Kids' Day/ 1st round qualifying) Gates open: 09:30 Start of play: 10:00 Match Court 1+2 (Village) Draw: 16:00 Kids&Activity Village Sunday, 17 April 2016 (Kids' Day/ 2nd round qualifying) Gates open: 10:30 Start of play: 11:00 Match Court 1+2 (Village)

Monday, 18 April 2016 (Qualifying finals + 1st round main draw) Gates open: 11:30 Start of play: 12:00 Match Court 1 (Village) Show Match: Angelique Kerber & Michael Chang vs Mark Webber & Michael Stich 17:30 Centre Court Stuttgarter Ballet performance: 18:00 Centre Court Berenberg Classics: 18:30 Centre Court Presentation of the Players approx: 20:00 Centre Court Players’ Night: following VIP Bereich

Tuesday, 19 April 2016 (Friends' Day/ 1st round main draw) Gates open: 11:30 Start of play: 12:00 Centre Court 1st feature match of the day: 18:30 (not before) Centre Court 2nd feature match of the day: following Centre Court

Wednesday, 20 April 2016 (Family Day/ 1st round main draw) Gates open: 11:30 Start of play: 12:00 Centre Court 1st feature match of the day: 18:30 (not before) Centre Court 2nd feature match of the day: following Centre Court

Thursday, 21 April 2016 (Fitness Day/ Last 16) Gates open: 11:30 Start of play: 12:00 Centre Court 1st feature match of the day: 18:30 (not before) Centre Court 2nd feature match of the day: following Centre Court

Friday, 23 April 2016 (Quarterfinals) Gates open: 12:00 Start of 1st quarterfinal: 14:00 Centre Court 2nd quarterfinal: following Centre Court Doubles: 17:00 (not before) Match Court 1 (Village) 3rd quarterfinal: 18:30 (not before) Centre Court 4th quarterfinal: following Centre Court

Porsche Mini Tennis Grand Prix: from 12:00 Match Court 2 (Village)

Saturday, 23 April 2016 (Semi-finals) Gates open: 12:00 Start of 1st singles semi-final: 13:30 Centre Court 1st doubles semi-final: anschließend Centre Court 2nd singles semi-final: 18:00 (not before) Centre Court 2nd doubles semi-final following Centre Court

Porsche Mini Tennis Grand Prix: from 12:00 Match Court 2 (Village)

Sunday, 24 April 2016 (Finals) Gates open: 12:00 Centre Court "Aces for Charity" check handover 13:00 Centre Court Stuttgarter Ballet performance: following Centre Court Start of singles final: 13:30 Centre Court Start of doubles final following Centre Court

Finals of Porsche Mini Tennis Grand Prix: from 12:00 Match Court 2 (Village)

Tournament Information

Supporting Programme

Attractive range of entertainment

Two performances by the Stuttgart Ballet plus Michael Stich and Michael Chang in the Duel of the Legends, the attractive programme of entertainment containing sport, games and thrills will provide a spot of variety in between the matches at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Whether autograph sessions, competitions or “get involved” activities, both young and old will get their money’s worth at the long-standing tournament in the Porsche Arena.

Tournament Draw in Kids & Activity Village Who has to play who at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix? The main draw will be made in public in the Kids & Activity Village at 4.00 pm local time on Saturday. It will be conducted by Laura Ceccarelli, the WTA Supervisor, together with Tournament Director Markus Günthardt and Anke Huber, the Operating Tournament Director. Also present will be a Porsche Team Germany player.

Stuttgart Ballet on Centre Court The artistic elements within the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s attractive supporting programme will be provided by the Porsche-supported Stuttgart Ballet. Young dancers belonging to the world famous company will perform “PS” – a piece choreographed by Katarzyna Kozielska – on Centre Court in the Porsche Arena at 6.00 pm on Monday, 18 April and then at 1.00 pm on Sunday, 24 April to get the audience in the mood for the final.

Tennis legends in the Berenberg Classics Big names are not only to be found amongst the players competing in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The Berenberg Classics at 6.30 pm on Monday, 18 April will see Michael Stich and Michael Chang face each other on Centre Court in the Duel of Legends. Immediately afterwards, the women will be presented to the Centre Court

audience. Starting proceedings will be an exhibition doubles with some big names. The Porsche works driver Mark Webber will team up with Michael Stich against title-holder Angelique Kerber and Michael Chang.

A village to browse around and be amazed The Sport and Lifestyle Village, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s attractive area for visitors to the tournament, is where numerous exhibitors showcase the latest products and trends from the fields of sport, fashion, technology, nutrition, health and spa treatments. In addition to no end of “get involved” activities for both young and old, there are also the daily autograph sessions with the players. Additionally, one can watch the stars practising close up courtside.

The fascination of Porsche Immerse yourself in the Porsche World: visitors can find out about everything Porsche throughout the tournament week in the Porsche Arena entrance hall. In addition to the Porsche Museum, Porsche Motorsport and the vocational training department will also be showcasing themselves. There is lots of information about all things Porsche at the various information stands – and there are naturally numerous sports cars to marvel at.

Tennis for a good cause The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix supports three charity partners: Agapedia, Plan International and UNICEF. Jürgen Klinsmann’s charitable foundation, the “Agapedia- Stiftung”, provides children with, for example, homework supervision and meaningful after-school leisure activities like sport, games and creative arts at their centre for children in nearby Esslingen. The “Kinderhilfswerk Plan International Deutschland” is active in 51 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. On board for the first time this year is the UNICEF agency working for the rights of children. As a part of the “Aces for Charity” campaign, Porsche will give a donation to its charity partners for every ace hit during the course of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The check handover will take place on Sunday, 24 April prior the single finals on the Centre Court.

Thrilling ways to pass time Great entertainment is also to be had in the Kids’ and Activity Village. In the area next to the Sport and Lifestyle Village, there is, for example, a Kids’ Corner run jointly with the Spielwaren Kurtz toy shop. It has games stations and many “get involved” activities. The Carrera slot car racing track and video games are other thrilling ways for kids to pass time – and there’s a mini tennis court.

A fan club for every player At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, every player is loudly supported by their own fan club as a part of the “Players Cheer Up” campaign. Each fan club is made up of 12 juniors from tennis clubs belonging to the regional Württemberg Tennis Association (WTB) and the Baden Tennis Association (BTV). They are entitled to free entry to the Porsche Arena for as long as their player is still in the tournament. The most inventive fan club will be given a prize on finals day.

Fantastic offers for young and old Children, adults and families are offered exciting matches and lots of entertainment and activities at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The first Saturday and Sunday (qualifying weekend, 16 and 17 April) are Kids’ Days with competitions and various “get involved” activities. On the traditional Family Day (Wednesday, 20 April), the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is well worth a visit particularly for families – two children up to the age of 14 will be granted free admission. The youngsters with the best serve will be invited to go on court for the day’s first match to toss the coin.

Big stage for the little ones The finals weekend at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix also provides the big stage for the little ones. From 22 to 24 April, the 4th Porsche Mini Tennis Grand Prix – presented by the SÜDWESTBANK – will be played on four mini courts in the Sport and Lifestyle Village. The participating U-9 boys and girls all qualified for the finals after winning one of the qualifying tournaments organised by 16 clubs in Baden and Württemberg.

Mixed doubles on the microphone Heinz Günthardt will also be the announcer at this year’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The brother of tournament director Markus Günthardt was one of the world’s best doubles players in his playing days. The Swiss will also be lining up for a mixed doubles in the Porsche Arena – together with SWR – the regional television channel – presenter Annette Krause. Presenting the matches on Court 1 will be Alexander Adam.

What moves women The “Women and Brand” congress to be held in conjunction with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix on 21 April will not only concentrate on aspects particular to the media and consumer behaviour of women. One talk will deal with Porsche’s engagement in women’s tennis, another with the role of the WTA as pioneers in the marketing of women. The participants will be welcomed by Tournament Director Markus Günthardt.

And then there’s... On Friends’ Day (Tuesday, 19 April), every visitor to the tournament will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine. They will also receive vouchers that can be exchanged at the stands in the Sport and Lifestyle Village for a small present. Various activities with a health spa and fitness theme are on the programme for the Fitness Day (Thursday, 21 April) in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s public area.

Tournament Information

Berenberg Classics

Michael Stich and Michael Chang in Duel of Legends It is a tradition at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix that the ladies play host to two gentlemen on the first day of the tournament proper. This time around, the world’s best women players will welcome Michael Stich and Michael Chang to the Porsche Arena. They will face each other in the eagerly-awaited Berenberg Classics Duel of Legends starting at 6.30 pm on Monday, 18 April. Eurosport will televise the match live.

“Our audience will once again be served a piece of tennis history by Michael Stich and Michael Chang. They both made their mark on the game over many years playing unforgettable matches,” said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt. “The Berenberg Classics is an integral part of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and a further highlight at the start of the tournament. We’re delighted we are able to continue the tradition with two Grand Slam winners and tennis personalities who are well-remembered by tennis fans everywhere.

Michael Stich’s career is full of superlatives. On his way to winning Wimbledon in 1991, he beat, one after the other, the French Open champion Jim Courier, the world number one Stefan Edberg and then in the final Boris Becker. The doubles final he played alongside John McEnroe one year later lasted 301 minutes and has gone down in history as the longest Wimbledon doubles final of all time. Partnered by Boris Becker, he won gold at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and together with Steffi Graf he claimed the 1993 Hopman Cup. He was also a member of the German team that lifted the Davis Cup in the same year. In recognition of his work for charity, Michael Stich has received numerous awards – including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2008.

Michael Chang played the most memorable match of his career at the French Open in Paris. In the round of the last 16, the 17-year old American, son of Taiwanese immigrants, drove the great Ivan Lendl to the verge of despair with his, at times,

unorthodox style. Plagued by cramp and on the brink of retiring, he eventually won 4- 6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. In the final, he beat Stefan Edberg to become the youngest Grand Slam winner of all-time.

There is big interest in the Duel of the Legends and it will probably be watched by a capacity crowd in the Porsche Arena. “The Berenberg Classics attracts the top names in tennis year in, year out to Stuttgart,” said Oliver Holtz, the manager of the Stuttgart branch of the Berenberg Bank. “After legends like Agassi, McEnroe, Sampras, Lendl, Edberg and Wilander, spectators can this time look forward to Michael Stich, the last German men’s Wimbledon winner, and Michael Chang. The highly popular players can be guaranteed to serve up some thrilling tennis.”

Tournament Information

Berenberg Classics

Michael Stich – a bio Date of birth: 18 October 1968 Turned pro: 1988 Career win-loss: 385:176 (singles) Career titles: 18 singles, 10 doubles Grand Slam wins: 1 singles: Wimbledon 1991; 1 doubles: Wimbledon 1992 Prize money: 12,595,128 US dollars Retired in: 1997

Michael Stich’s biggest career success came with “little warning”. He won his first professional tournament in Memphis in 1990 and then his second in Wimbledon in 1991. On the way to triumphing at the world’s most prestigious tournament, he beat one after the other, the freshly-crowned French Open champion Jim Courier, the world number one Stefan Edberg and then in the final Boris Becker. His exploits earned him the German “Sportsman of the Year” award. He is to date the last German Wimbledon men’s singles champion.

Michael Stich was always one to produce exceptional matches which tennis fans can still well remember today. One of them was the doubles win in Wimbledon in 1992 when, partnered by John McEnroe, in a historical final he beat Jim Grabb/Richey Renneberg 19-17 in the fifth and final set. The encounter lasted a total of 301 minutes and has gone down in history as the longest Wimbledon doubles final of all time. His qualities as a doubles player were also demonstrated at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona when, together with Boris Becker, he won the gold medal for Germany.

The serve-volley specialist, whose strengths, alongside a precise serve and excellent game at the net, included a technically perfect one-handed backhand, also caused a quite a stir at the 1993 ATP World Championships in Frankfurt. In perhaps the best

match of his career, he defeated Pete Sampras in the final in four sets. The success crowned a season in which he amassed six tournament wins including the indoor event in Stuttgart. At the end of the season he was ranked number two in the world – a position he held for a total of 28 weeks. In both 1991 and 1993 he celebrated tournament wins on four different surfaces within a calendar year.

He also has an impressive record when playing for Germany. In 1993, he was instrumental in helping the German team lift the Davis Cup after beating Australia comfortably in the final. Previously in the same year, he and Stefanie Graf won the first ever Hopman Cup title for Germany. In the following year, he was a member of the team that won the ATP World Team Cup along with Bernd Karbacher, Patrick Kühnen and Karsten Braasch.

After numerous injury breaks, he made an impressive comeback in 1996 by battling his way, unseeded, to the final of the French Open. He retired one year later in Wimbledon – also with a bang. The world No. 88 at the time, he fought his way to the semifinals at a Grand Slam tournament for the ninth time.

When still a pro and using his own money, he founded the non-profit making Michael Stich Foundation that campaigns for children affected by HIV and suffering from AIDS. For his charitable work in a wide variety of areas within society, the avid fan of Hamburg SV football club was awarded numerous honours – including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2008 and the 1999 Georg von Opel Prize for his social responsibility as a sportsman. He is still active within the game as the tournament director in Hamburg as well as commentating for the British channel, BBC. He has been married to Alexandra Rikowski since 2005.

Talking about the match against Michael Chang, he said:

“Michael is a real fighter on court. I can still well remember our last encounter in Cincinnati in 1995. Though I made CNN’s sports news with the “shot of the day”, I nevertheless lost the match. It alone is a reason why I’m really looking forward to playing him once again as a part of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – especially as Stuttgart was always a good hunting ground for me as I won both the Weissenhof tournament and the Stuttgart indoors.”

Tournament Information

Berenberg Classics

Michael Chang – a bio Date of birth: 22 February 1972 Turned pro: 1988 Career win-loss: 662:312 (singles) Career titles: 34 (singles) Grand Slam wins: 1 singles title – French Open 1989 Prize money: 19,145,632 US dollars Retried in: 2003

Right away as a teenager things could not go quick enough for Michael Chang – he left school at the age of 16 to become a professional tennis player – at 17 he became the youngest Grand Slam winner of all time at the French Open. In doing so, it was less his five-set win in the final against Stefan Edberg that has gone down in history – it was more his legendary last 16 match against Ivan Lendl. Plagued by cramp and on the brink of retiring, his, at times, unorthodox style – including serving underarm – drove the Czech to the verge of despair. Eventually after 4 hours 43 minutes, he triumphed 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

The son of Taiwanese immigrants became one of the best and most successful players of his era but Paris nevertheless remained his only Grand Slam win. Michael Chang was ranked No. 2 in the world and maintained a place in the top ten for many years. He however lost all three Grand Slam finals he subsequently played in. At the 1995 French Open, he was defeated by Thomas Muster and then in 1996 he was runner-up to Boris Becker at the Australian Open before losing to Pete Sampras at the US Open. On the other hand, he was victorious at a total of six Masters tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati. In 1990, he won the Davis Cup with Team USA. After a career that included 34 tournament wins, he played his last match at the 2003 US Open.

He was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008. Together with his wife Amber, a former tennis player, and his three children, he lives in Orange County, California. An enthusiastic angler and golfer who is also the chairman of the Chang Family Foundation, he returned to the ATP Tour in 2014 when he started coaching the Japanese pro Kei Nishikori. In the same year, his prodigy reached a Grand Slam final for the first time at the US Open.

And as a coach, things obviously cannot go quick enough.

Talking about the match against Michael Stich, he said:

“I’m really looking forward to the match against Michael especially as we’ll be playing each other in Stuttgart on clay. In the old days, we had many great and close matches. I’ve already heard a lot about the fantastic atmosphere in the Porsche Arena. I’m sure we’ll produce some good tennis and naturally some fun and entertainment for the spectators to enjoy.

Tournament Information

The Players (Status: 11.04.2016)

Nr. Player Nationality WTA-Ranking 1 RADWANSKA, AGNIESZKA POL 02 2 KERBER, ANGELIQUE GER 03 3 MUGURUZA, GARBINE ESP 04 4 HALEP, SIMONA ROU 06 5 KVITOVA, PETRa CZE 07 6 VINCI, ROBERTA ITA 08 7 SUAREZ NAVARRO, CARLA ESP 11 8 SAFAROVA, LUCIE CZE 15 9 PLISKOVA, KAROLINA CZE 18 10 IVANOVIC, ANA SRB 19 11 ERRANI, SARA ITA 20 12 KONTA, JOHANNA UK 22 13 PAVLYUCHENKOVA, ANASTASIA RUS 27 14 MLADENOVIC, KRISTINA FRA 28 15 MAKAROVA, EKATARINA RUS 29 16 PETKOVIC, ANDREA GER 30 17 NICULESCU, MONICA ROU 31

18 GARCIA, CAROLINE FRA 45 19 CORNET, ALIZÉ FRA 48 20 LISICKI, SABINE GER 50

Tournament Information

The Top 10 – short bios

The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix traditionally attracts the best women players to Stuttgart – and the 2016 starting line up is also of a top Grand Slam standard. Including title-holder and Porsche Brand Ambassador Angelique Kerber, a total of eight Top 10 stars will be competing in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena. Awaiting the winner is, along with the prize money, the new Porsche 718 Boxster S. Following are short bios of the leading players in this year’s main draw field.

(All details as of 21 March 2016)

1) Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland

Born on 6 March 1989 in Krakow/Poland

Residence: Krakow/Poland

Right-handed

WTA wins: 18 in singles, 2 in doubles

Prize money: 22,833,221 dollars

World ranking: 2

Twitter: @ARadwanska

2) Angelique Kerber, Germany

Born on 18 January 1988 in Bremen/Germany

Residence: Puszczykowo/Poland

Left-handed

WTA wins: 8 in singles

Prize money: 11,906,203 dollars

World ranking: 3

Twitter: @AngeliqueKerber

3) Garbine Muguruza, Spain

Born on 8 October 1993 in Caracas/Venezuela

Residence: Barcelona/Spain

Right-handed

WTA wins: 2 in singles/5 in doubles

Prize money: 6,377,972 dollars

World ranking: 4

Twitter: @GarbiMuguruza

4) Simona Halep, Romania

Born on 27 September 1991 in Constanta/Romania

Residence: Constanta/Romania

Right-handed

WTA wins: 11 in singles

Prize money: 11,358,601 dollars

World ranking: 5

Twitter: @Simona_Halep

5) Carla Suárez Navarro, Spain

Born on 3 September 1988 in Las Palmas/Spain

Residence: Barcelona/Spain

Right-handed

WTA wins: 2 in singles, 3 in doubles

Prize money: 7,191,291 dollars

World ranking: 6

Twitter: @CarlaSuarezNava

6) Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic

Born on 8 March 1990 in Bilovec/Czech Republic

Residence: Bilovec/Czech Republic

Left-handed

WTA wins: 17 in singles

Prize money: 20,640,724

World ranking: 7

Twitter: @Petra_Kvitova

7) Roberta Vinci, Italy

Born on 18 February 1983 in Taranto/Italy

Residence: Taranto/Italy

Right-handed

WTA wins: 10 in singles, 25 in doubles

Prize money: 10,507,819 dollars

World ranking: 9

Twitter: @roberta_vinci

8) Belinda Bencic, Switzerland

Born on 10 March 1997 in Flawil/Switzerland

Residence: Wollerau/Switzerland

Right-handed

WTA wins: 2 in singles, 2 in doubles

Prize money: 2,581,882 dollars

World ranking: 10

Twitter: @BelindaBencic

9) Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic

Born on 21 March 1992 in Louny/Czech Republic

Residence: Monte Carlo/Monaco

Right-handed

WTA wins: 4 in singles, 4 in doubles

Prize money: 3,469,021 dollars

World ranking: 14

Twitter: @KaPliskova

10) Lucie Safarova, Czech Republic

Born on 4 February 1987 in Brünn/Czech Republic

Residence: Monte Carlo/Monaco

Left-handed

WTA wins: 6 in singles, 8 in doubles

Prize money: 8,644,552 dollars

World ranking: 15

Twitter: @luciesafarova

Tournament Information

Prize Money

At stake for the world’s top women tennis players at the 2016 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is a total of 759,000 dollars prize money. The winner will receive over 129,551 dollars – and a Porsche 718 Boxster S.

Overview US dollars Total 759,000

Singles US dollars Winner 129,551 Runner-up 69,182 Semi-finalist 36,950 Quarterfinalist 19,863 Round of the last 16 10,651 Round of the last 32 6,760

Doubles (per team) US dollars Winners 40,524 Runners-up 21,650 Semi-finalists 11,831 Quarterfinalists 6,020 Round of the last 16 3,270

Qualifying US dollars Round 3 3,036 Round 2 1,613 Round 1 898

718 Boxster S: combined fuel consumption 8.1 – 7.3 l/100 km, urban 10.7 – 9.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.5 – 6.0 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 184 - 167 g/km

Tournament Information

The winner’s car: Porsche 718 Boxster S

Exceptional sports cars for great winners – a long tradition at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. This time around the big prize is a brand new Porsche 718 Boxster S, a mid-engine roadster with a turbo-charger and breathtaking performance. Last year’s winner Angelique Kerber was able to get a first impression at a photo shoot.

Many top sports men and women are inherently superstitious. Ahead of a tournament, they do not like to go anywhere near the trophy they are aiming to win. However at a photo shoot ahead of the tournament, Angelique Kerber succumbed. Is it any wonder? The new Porsche 718 Boxster S is a real winner. A Stuttgart gesamtkunstwerk containing every Porsche gene. An old friend that has been reinvented and is nevertheless pledged to tradition – the 718 Boxster. With the roadster, Porsche draws on the legacy of the 718 mid-engine sports cars which in the 1950s and 1960s won numerous races – including the legendary Targa Florio, Le Mans and the European hill-climb championship – using four-cylinder flat engines.

The engine sits well shielded between the rear axle and the seats and is particularly responsible for the special driving experience. Thanks to its weight distribution, the roadster is a real cornering specialist. As a result, the power unit in the middle is quite simply the expression of a locomotion philosophy. It has become significantly smaller but is far more powerful and nevertheless uses up to 13 per cent less fuel. The six- cylinder flat engine has become a four-cylinder which is what gives the roadster its new name. Porsche 718 Boxster. The element that the race winners did not have in former times is what really revs up the new Boxster – the VTG technology, a complex turbo charger that until now had only additionally powered the Porsche 911 Turbo.

The result is quite impressive. With 2.5 litres of displacement, the turbo produces 257 kW (350 hp) from the middle which is significantly more than its predecessor (plus 26 kW/35 hp). Equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe and the Sport Chrono Package, it sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. It reaches its top

speed at 285 km/h. The active PASM sport chassis – enabling a 20 millimetre ride height – and the up to ten per cent more direct electro-mechanical steering have been accordingly adjusted. Naturally, the power of the winner’s car is obvious for all to see. It appears wider, more masculine than before, its body language is more pronounced, its air intakes are larger, its bi-xenon headlights are more dominant.

The 718 Boxster S with all this and more will be standing courtside in the Porsche Arena for the duration of the tournament – spurring the tennis ladies on to top performances. A real sportsperson and motivator par excellence. “You see the car the whole week and it’s always a topic of conversation amongst us players,” said Angelique Kerber. And it sometimes helps: “In the final last year, I was 5-3 down in the third set against Caroline Wozniacki. Then I saw the car and said to myself, ‘Come on, keep going.’ You can see, what it’s all about.”

718 Boxster S: combined fuel consumption 8.1 – 7.3 l/100 km, urban 10.7 – 9.5 l/100 km, extra-urban

6.5 – 6.0 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 184 - 167 g/km; efficiency class (Germany): F-E.

The Tournament Directors

Markus Günthardt and Anke Huber – a strong doubles

Behind the success of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is a whole team. It is headed by Markus Günthardt as Tournament Director and Anke Huber as Operating Tournament Director.

Markus Günthardt, himself a professional on the ATP Tour from 1978 to 1985 and a Davis Cup player for Switzerland, has been the tournament director since 2005. After a playing career in which he was world-ranked No. 40 in the doubles rankings, he remained in the game first as tournament director at the Eurocard Open in Stuttgart and the ATP Tour World Championships in Hannover. He later acted as a consultant for the Turkish Tennis Association at the WTA Championships which were played in Istanbul from 2011 to 2013. His experience is in demand worldwide also in the WTA Board of Directors. Markus Günthardt lives with his wife and two children in Madrid and in Switzerland.

Anke Huber has been the Operating Tournament Director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix since 2002. The former No 4 on the WTA world rankings played the stand- out match of her career against Stefanie Graf in the 1995 Masters final. One year later she reached her only Grand Slam final at the Australian Open. She amassed a total of 12 WTA tournaments. At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, she won the tournament in 1991 (against Martina Navratilova) and again in 1994 (against Mary Pierce). Of her 632 career matches, she won 418. She has two children and lives with her family in Frankenthal, Germany.

Markus Günthardt, Tournament Director, on the 2016 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

“A German Grand Slam winner has always been a wish of ours”

A starting line-up with eight Top 10 players and stars like Angelique Kerber, Ana Ivanovic, Agnieszka Radwanska and Belinda Bencic – the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will this year once again bring the world’s best women players to Stuttgart. Markus Günthardt’s expectations however go much further. “It’s not the fantastic main draw field alone that makes a tournament a good one,” said the Swiss. “For me as a tournament director, what counts above all is a full house and a great atmosphere, no matter who’s on court.”

Speaking ahead of the 39th edition of the long-standing Stuttgart tournament in the Porsche Arena from 16 to 24 April, he talked about...

...the return of Angelique Kerber in the Porsche Arena as the title-holder and Australian Open winner: “Being able to present our audience with a German Grand Slam winner has always been a wish of ours. The Porsche Brand Ambassador’s win at the Australian Open therefore came, for us as a tournament, at exactly the right moment. And Angelique is also the title-holder. Our spectators will give her a big welcome and cheer her on in all her matches. I’m sure it’ll be a triumphal return for her in the Porsche Arena.”

...her chances of successfully defending her title: “She’ll come back as the freshly-crowned Grand Slam winner and title-holder, the spectators will worship the ground she walks on – no other player will go into the tournament with a better chance of having a successful week in the Porsche Arena. But in sport there are no guarantees. It’s something we’ve often seen. In Australia she was match point down in the first round and everything could have gone completely differently. Angelique is obviously one of the big favourites. She has the motivation and the self-confidence. But we shouldn’t forget she’ll be up against some very strong opponents.”

...the main draw field in 2016 with a whole host of Top 10 stars: “Having so many Top 10 players here is naturally a wonderful endorsement for our work. It’s almost a luxury. Even when it’s almost normal for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, it does show that we’re doing something right. “It’s not the fantastic main draw field alone that makes a tournament good. For me as a tournament director what counts above all is a full house and a great atmosphere no matter who’s on court. It’s the commendation that you need as a team. Plus, such an exciting and top class final like the one we had last year. If we can experience something like it again, no matter who wins, then we’ll all be very happy.”

...the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s recipe for success: “As far as the players are concerned, we do everything we can so that they feel at home here and have the conditions and facilities in which they can produce their best tennis. It’s something we obviously manage to do. The world’s best players come to our tournament. Alongside the Top 10 stars, the world No. 11 will also be here and she won’t even be seeded. This means she may have to play the number eight in the first round. There’s no other tournament in the world where it can happen. It’s like the second week at a Grand Slam as the No. 11 would be seeded at every other tournament. Nevertheless she’ll be here, just like the No. 20. For me, it’s proof that the whole package is right.”

...the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as a crowd puller: “We’ve got a fantastic crowd in Stuttgart and we do everything so that it remains loyal in the future. It’s obviously working and it’s a good sign when some of the days are already sold out a couple of months in advance. World class tennis alone won’t suffice to fill a hall in the long run. Many visitors spend the whole day here. They don’t only want to watch tennis for hours on end but experience something extra. Therefore for us, an attractive supporting programme of events is highly important. We offer not only autograph sessions with the stars but also “get involved” activities for both young and old – and everything in an atmosphere in which people feel at ease. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, and it’s very important for us, has to be an event for the whole family.”

...the role of Porsche: “Porsche is a really important element in the success of the tournament. It has a magnetism that only few title-sponsors have. But Porsche is not only the title-sponsor but also the promoter and it’s felt throughout the venue. With Porsche’s support, we can put a coherent concept into place that is consistent and top notch – exactly as we envisage it. Players profit from it as do spectators.”

...his favourites: “A final with Angelique Kerber would naturally be a dream, for our audience too. I say that with all the neutrality to which I, as a Swiss and the tournament director, am bound. But till then is a long and hard road. For me there’s no clear favourite. The differences at the top are minimal. It all depends on one’s form on the day, from one’s mental state. A final containing Simona Halep, Agnieszka Radwanska or Petra Kvitova is also a distinct possibility. Perhaps we’ll have another big surprise like in 2011 when Julia Görges sensationally won the tournament. At the moment I wouldn’t dare make a prediction.”

...the tournament’s popularity amongst the players: “I’ve been the tournament director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix since 2005 and in that time the players have voted us as their favourite tournament worldwide on seven occasions. It’s an accolade for which we can be proud and it spurs us on to continue to work hard at making things even better. I think it is the whole package that makes us stand out. The Porsche Arena is a fantastic hall and then there’s the magnetism of Porsche as the title-sponsor. What’s also important for the players is that we have a tournament where everything is close together. Everything is within easy walking distance. If they want, players can, so to say, pop over from their hotel in flip-flops to practice or play a match. The facilities are excellent and we have a highly enthusiastic crowd that get totally involved in every match – no matter whether two stars or two qualifiers are out on court.”

...the role of Anke Huber as the Operating Tournament Director: “Anke has been a part of it all for even longer than I have and she’s enormously important for the tournament. She has a good relationship with the players even though she comes from another generation. Stemming from it is a mutual trust which would be otherwise very difficult to build up. Anke knows her way around. She knows what a player wants, what a player needs, how a player thinks. During the tournament, she takes on a very important function as the link between the WTA, the players and the tournament organisers. Anke is the ideal person for the key position.”

...the appearance of the tennis legends Michael Stich and Michael Chang in the Porsche Arena: “They are two players tennis fans still like to remember. Michael Stich is the last German men’s Wimbledon winner. His exemplary involvement in charity work after the end of his career has shown that a tennis player’s horizon doesn’t have to stop at the base line. Michael Chang produced one of the unforgettable highlights in Grand Slam history with his memorable win as a 17-year old nobody against Ivan Lendl in the French Open. Both are real tennis personalities and have always known how to entertain the crowd. I’m really looking forward to watching them both.”

* Markus Günthardt has been the tournament director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix since 2005. Born in Zürich on 10 September 1957, the Swiss was himself a professional player on the ATP Tour from 1978 to 1985. In this time, he also played for Switzerland in the Davis Cup. He remained in the game after his playing career. Working for Ion Tiriac, he organised various tournaments such as the Eurocard Open in Stuttgart and the ATP Tour World Championships in Hannover. He acted as a consultant for the Turkish Tennis Association at the WTA Championships which were played in Istanbul from 2011 to 2013. His experience is in demand worldwide also in the WTA Board of Directors. Markus Günthardt lives with his wife and two children in Madrid and in Switzerland.

Anke Huber, Operating Tournament Director, on the 2016 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

“Every player is different. It makes it interesting”

Anke Huber is confident Angelique Kerber could go a long way at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Maybe even successfully defend her title. “She certainly won’t be lacking the necessary motivation and confidence,” said the Operating Tournament Director of the long-standing event in Stuttgart. “When returning to a tournament you won the previous year, you’re far more self-confident. You’re convinced you can win it for a second time.”

Speaking ahead of the 39th edition of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, which she won as a player in 1991 and 1994, she talked about...

...Angelique Kerber’s new role at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: “Angie will arrive at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as the title-holder and the freshly- crowned Australian Open winner. She played the best tennis of her life in Melbourne and fulfilled her dream of winning a Grand Slam. For many people, she’s obviously now one of the favourites. She herself will also be aiming to go as far as possible in the Porsche Arena especially as she’s a Porsche Brand Ambassador. I’m confident she’ll do it. She certainly won’t be lacking the necessary motivation and confidence. When returning to a tournament you won the previous year, you’re far more self- confident. You’re convinced you can win it for a second time – above all when you’ve just won a Grand Slam. “

...2016’s main draw field with numerous Top 10 stars: “We’re delighted to once again have such a strong main draw field this year. Our spoilt spectators expect such quality from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. It’s so much nicer being able to regularly present them with so many interesting stars. Having so many Top 10 players is something we are also envied for worldwide by many bigger tournaments.”

...the German players’ chances at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: “Angelique Kerber is for sure one of the favourites. I’m eager to see how Anna-Lena Friedsam from the Porsche Talent Team gets on. She played superbly at the Australian Open to reach the last 16. It was a real sensation. As for Andrea Petkovic, one always has to have her on the cards when she’s playing well. Annika Beck is someone who could well spring a surprise as could Carina Witthöft, who, after being promoted to the Porsche Team Deutschland, will definitely be highly motivated. They’re all in good form and love playing in Stuttgart. If the draw is kind to them, I feel one or two other German players can, along with Angelique Kerber, go a long way.

...the enjoyment she has in her job as Operating Tournament Director: “I’ve been dong the job now for 14 years and am still really enjoying it. Many things have naturally changed in that time. Everything has become much more professional. The players have to do far more than before, have numerous additional off-court duties like for example press appointments or making themselves available for the fans and sponsors. It obviously has an effect on my work at the interface between the WTA, players and the tournament. But as I said, I still get great enjoyment out of it.”

...her contact to the players: “Every player has a different personality and it’s what makes it all very interesting. I’ve been able to build up a good relationship with most of the players over the years, especially with those that are regulars here in Stuttgart. I however still have to get to know some of the younger players that haven’t been here yet. I try as hard as I possibly can to keep in contact with the players over the year. It means for example that I regularly visit the US Open, am usually in Paris or at the WTA Finals. Though it takes up a lot of time, especially as I have a lot on my plate as a mother of two children, it’s all very worthwhile.”

* Anke Huber has been the Operating Tournament Director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix since 2002. Born on 4 December 1974, the former No 4 on the WTA world rankings made her professional debut in 1989. The stand-out match of her career was

the 1995 Masters final against Steffi Graf which she narrowly lost. One year later she reached her only Grand Slam final at the Australian Open but was beaten by the then world No 1 Monica Seles. She won a total of 12 WTA tournaments – Schenectady/USA was the first in 1990 and the last came in Sopot/Poland in 2000. At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, she won the tournament in 1991 (against Martina Navratilova) and again in 1994 (against Mary Pierce). She gave birth to a son in 2005 and then a girl in 2006. Anke Huber lives with her family in Frankenthal, Germany.

The Venue

The Porsche Arena

“The most beautiful hall in tennis” When the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix celebrated its premier in Porsche Arena, not only the visitors and players were visibly much taken by the scope of the new hall. Laura Ceccarelli, the WTA supervisor, was also full of praise: “The Porsche Arena is the most beautiful hall. I’ve been on the circuit for over 20 years and I’ve seen nothing like it.”

Since 2006, Porsche has been cultivating its close relationship with women’s tennis in the new arena situated in Stuttgart’s NeckarPark between the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium and the Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle. Having acquired the naming rights for 20 years, the company has thus has not only avowed its allegiance to its “home city” but also wants to embrace its communal responsibility. The people in Stuttgart and the region should be offered attractive events in the Porsche Arena.

Porsche itself kicked off the action in the arena with the successful premiere of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix which was won by the Russian Nadia Petrova. It was obvious right away that the special appeal of the multi-functional indoor arena, which was opened in May 2006 after taking only 18 months to build, lies in its flexibility to stage a whole range of events. The short changeover times make it a perfect location for both sports events and shows. Capacity varies depending on the event – from 5,200 for ice hockey matches to 7,200 for boxing.

As there is an enormous video screen at one end of the Centre Court, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has comfortable seating for 4,400 spectators. The Porsche Arena also provides the prestigious setting for Porsche’s Annual General Meeting.

The Venue

The court in the Porsche Arena

The latest technology The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will once again be played on the innovative Conipur Pro Clay court in 2016. The surface in the Porsche Arena is state of the art in every respect and offers major benefits for players and organisers alike.

At the start, it was all very experimental. A world class tournament indoors and on clay – the WTA had not seen anything like it. Markus Günthardt took the chance and it was not without its risks. However, the tournament director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was equal to the challenge. At first the world’s best tennis players were a little sceptical when they walked out onto the clay for the first time in 2009 but then they were thrilled by what they found. It meant the long-established Stuttgart tournament had entered a new era and women’s tennis had a new attraction.

The development has continued. Both the players’ and the organisers’ experiences have flowed back into the Conipur Pro Clay court upon which the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has been played since 2014. The courts that have been built for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix consist of a 2.5 centimetre base layer made of crushed tiles which is mixed with a special binding material and covered with finely crushed brick. Almost 40 tons of crushed tiles and four tons of finely crushed brick go into the making of the approximately 800 m² Centre Court.

Major advantages

The new system has major advantages. One is the outstanding playing conditions due to the laser-controlled installation using a special machine guaranteeing a uniformly hard and totally flat surface. It means the sliding and bounce characteristics are consistent all over the court. Annoying bad bounces are virtually non-existent. Particularly important for players – the surface reduces leg strain and therefore the risk of injury.

Since the move to clay, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has become an important stopover for the stars en route to the French Open in Paris. They can prepare for the Grand Slam tournament on the Seine without having to endure any of the uncertainties of the April weather. As for the playing qualities, the surface in the Porsche Arena is almost 100 per cent identical with the courts in Roland Garros. Thanks to MST (Moisture Storage Technology), it maintains a constant moisture level in the indoor arena which in turn means the court remains dust-free and does not have to be watered. MST is both environmentally-friendly and fully odour-less.

Outstanding playing conditions

Apart from its outstanding playing conditions, the surface also excels as a result of its economic and ecological benefits: the surface can be laid within the space of 24 hours which is an important factor due to the limited event changeover times available in the Porsche Arena. Additionally, it is 100 per cent recyclable and can be used in road construction. The technology therefore conserves the environment and reduces costs.

History

The story of a success

As one of the showpieces on the WTA Tour, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has enjoyed rapid growth ever since the US teenager Tracy Austin won the premiere back in Filderstadt in 1978. The friendly takeover of the tournament as the promoter by Porsche in 2002 and the subsequent move to the Porsche Arena in 2006 marked the beginning of a new era. Later, the change of surface to clay in 2009 was another step into the future. Spectators at the long-established tournament have been able to watch all the world stars live – from Steffi Graf to Martina Navratilova, from Gabriela Sabatini to Martina Hingis, from Lindsay Davenport to Justine Henin and Serena Williams. In 2015, the Porsche Brand Ambassador Angelique Kerber became the third German to have her name etched on the roll of honour roster after Anke Huber and Julia Görges.

History

Porsche and the WTA

The premiere was a step into the future. In moving to the newly-built Porsche Arena in Stuttgart’s NeckarPark, a new era began for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in 2006. Another step into a successful future was the change of surface to clay in 2009. The time-honoured Stuttgart tournament has duly mastered the new challenge.

The world’s best tennis players have been coming to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix ever since 1978. As the most loyal sponsor within international women’s tennis, Porsche has accompanied Europe’s oldest women’s indoor tournament right from the very beginning. At the premiere in Filderstadt, America’s Tracy Austin, a 15-year-old teenager with plaits and braces, advanced to become the crowd favourite and embark on a brilliant career when she overcame Holland’s Betty Stove in the final. In 2002, Porsche intensified its involvement with the world-renowned tournament and also took on the role as organiser.

As far as tennis is concerned, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is a top highlight on the WTA Tour. Virtually all the top stars come to Stuttgart every year. The quality of the field is regularly of a Grand Slam level. The players feel very much at home in Stuttgart and so much so that they voted the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as their favourite event in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. And the Women’s Tennis Association’s officials also appreciate the support given them by the successful Stuttgart automobile manufacturer. In 2004 Porsche was distinguished with the “Long Time Contribution Award” in recognition of the company’s long-standing involvement as a sponsor and partner of the sport.

“For me, Stuttgart is without question a flagship event on the Tour and Porsche is a perfect example of a partner that has truly invested in tennis. It has a long tradition. There’s an obvious love of the game,” said the new WTA President Steve Simon. Another very welcome guest and one that has been coming to Stuttgart for many years, Laura Ceccarelli, the WTA Supervisor, added “Porsche is a fantastic partner

and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has for many years not only been one of the best tournaments worldwide but also one of the most innovative. It is so well organised that many people around the world can learn from it which is why we regularly invite organisers to Stuttgart. We always all really look forward to returning to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as a guest.”

Roll of Honour 1978 to 2015, Singles Year Winner Finalist Set 1 Set 2 Set 3

2015 Angelique Kerber Caroline Wozniacki 3:6 6:1 7:5 2014 Maria Sharapova Ana Ivanovic 3:6 6:4 6:1 2013 Maria Sharapova Li Na 6:4 6:3 2013 Maria Sharapova Victoria Azarenka 6:1 6:4 2011 Julia Görges Caroline Wozniacki 7:6 6:3 2010 Justine Henin Samantha Stosur 6:4 2:6 2009 Svetlana Kuznetsova Dinara Safina 6:4 6:3 2008 Jelena Jankovic Nadia Petrova 6:4 6:3 2007 Justine Henin Tatiana Golovin 2:6 6:2 6:1 2006 Nadia Petrova Tatiana Golovin 6:3 7:6 2005 Lindsay Davenport Amélie Mauresmo 6:2 6:4 2004 Lindsay Davenport Amélie Mauresmo 6:2 ret. 2003 Kim Clijsters Justin Henin-Hardenne 5:7 6:4 6:2 2002 Kim Clijsters Daniela Hantuchova 4:6 6:3 6:4 2001 Lindsay Davenport Justine Henin 7:5 6:4 2000 Martina Hingis Kim Clijsters 6:0 6:3 1999 Martina Hingis Mary Pierce 6:4 6:1 1998 Sandrine Testud Lindsay Davenport 7:5 6:4 1997 Martina Hingis Lisa Raymond 6:4 6:2 1996 Martina Hingis Anke Huber 6:2 3:6 6:3 1995 Iva Majoli Gabriela Sabatini 6:4 7:6 1994 Anke Huber Mary Pierce 6:4 6:2 1993 Mary Pierce Natasha Zvereva 6:3 6:3 1992 Martina Navratilova Gabriela Sabatini 7:6 6:3 1991 Anke Huber Martina Navratilova 2:6 6:2 7:6 1990 Mary Joe Fernandez Barbara Paulus 6:1 6:3 1989 Gabriela Sabatini Mary Joe Fernandez 7:6 6:4 1988 Martina Navratilova Chris Evert-Mill 6:2 6:3 1987 Martina Navratilova Chris Evert 7:5 6:1 1986 Martina Navratilova Hana Mandlikova 6:2 6:3 1985 Pam Shriver Catarina Lindqvist 6:1 7:5 1984 Catarina Lindqvist Steffi Graf 6:1 6:4 1983 Martina Navratilova Catherine Tanvier 6:1 6:2 1982 Martina Navratilova Tracy Austin 6:3 6:3 1981 Tracy Austin Martina Navratilova 4:6 6:3 6:4 1980 Tracy Austin Sherry Acker 6:2 7:5 1979 Tracy Austin Martina Navratilova 6:3 6:2 1978 Tracy Austin Betty Stove 6:3 6:3

Roll of Honour 1978 to 2015, Doubles Year Winners Finalists Set 1 Set 2 Set 3

2015 Bethanie Mattek-Sands / Lucie Safarova Caroline Garcia / Katarina 6:4 6:3

2014 Sara Errani / Roberta Vinci Cara Black / Sania Mirza 6:2 6:3 2013 Mona Barthel / Sabine Lisicki Bethanie Mattek-Sands / Sania 6:4 7:5

2012 Iveta Benesova / Barbora Zahlavova- Julia Görges / Anna-Lena 6:4 7:5

2011 Sabine Lisicki / Samantha Stosur Kristina Barrois / Jasmin Woehr 6:1 7:6 2010 Gisela Dulko / Flavia Pennetta Kveta Peschke / Katarina 3:6 7:6 10:5

2009 Bethanie Mattek-Sands / Nadia Petrova Gisela Dulko / Flavia Pennetta 5:7 6:3 10:7 2008 Anna-Lena Groenefeld / Patty Schnyder Kveta Peschke / Rennae Stubbs 6:2 6:4 2007 Kveta Peschke / Rennae Stubbs Yung-Jan Chan / Dinara Safina 6:7 7:6 1:0 2006 Lisa Raymond / Samantha Stosur Cara Black / Rennae Stubbs 6:3 6:4 2005 Daniela Hantuchova / Anastasia Myskina Kveta Peschke / Francesca 6:0 3:6 7:5

2004 Rennae Stubbs / Cara Black Anna-Lena Grönefeld / Julia 6:3 6:2

2003 Lisa Raymond / Rennae Stubbs Cara Black / Martina Navratilova 6:2 6:4 2002 Lindsay Davenport / Lisa Raymond Meghann Shaugnessy / Paola 6:2 6:4

2001 Lindsay Davenport / Lisa Raymond Justine Henin / Meghann 6:2 6:1

2000 Martina Hingis / Anna Kournikova Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario / Barbara 6:4 6:2

1999 Chanda Rubin / Sandrine Testud Larisa Neiland / Arantxa Sanchez- 6:3 6:4

1998 Lindsay Davenport / Natasha Zvereva Anna Kournikova / Arantxa 6:4 6:2

1997 Martina Hingis / Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario Lindsay Davenport / Jana Novotna 7:6 3:6 7:6 1996 Nicole Arendt / Jana Novotna Martina Hingis / Helena Sukova 6:2 6:3 1995 Gigi Fernandez / Natasha Zvereva Meredith McGrath / Larisa Neiland 5:7 6:1 6:4 1994 Gigi Fernandez / Natalia Zvereva Manon Bollegraf / Larisa Neiland 7:6 6:4 1993 Gigi Fernandez / Natalia Zvereva Patty Fendick / Martina Navratilova 7:6 6:4 1992 Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario / Helena Pam Shriver / Natalia Zvereva 6:4 7:5

1991 Martina Navratilova / Jana Novotna Pam Shriver / Natalia Zvereva 6:2 5:7 6:4 1990 Mary Joe Fernandez / Zina Garrison Mercedes Paz / Arantxa Sanchez- 7:5 6:3

1989 Gigi Fernandez / Robin White Elna Reinach / Raffaella Reggi 6:4 7:6 1988 Martina Navratilova / Iwona Kuczynska Elna Reinach / Raffaella Reggi 6:1 6:4 1987 Martina Navratilova / Pam Shriver Zina Garrison / Lori McNeil 6:1 6:2 1986 Martina Navratilova / Pam Shriver Zina Garrison / Gabriela Sabatini 7:6 6:4 1985 Hana Mandlikova / Pam Shriver Carina Karlsson / Tine Scheuer- 6:2 6:1

1984 Claudia Kohde / Helena Sukova Bettina Bunge / Eva Pfaff 6:4 3:6 6:2 1983 Martina Navratilova / Candy Reynolds Virginia Ruzici / Catherine Tanvier 6:2 6:1 1982 Martina Navratilova / Pam Shriver Candy Reynolds / Anne Smith 6:2 6:3 1981 Mima Jausovec / Martina Navratilova Barbara Potter / Anne Smith 6:4 6:2 1980 Hana Mandlikova / Betty Stove Anne Smith / Kathy Jordan 6:4 7:5 1979 Billie-Jean King / Martina Navratilova Wendy Turnbull / Betty Stove 6:3 6:3 1978 Tracy Austin / Betty Stove Mima Jausovec / Virginia Ruzici 6:3 6:2

Porsche´s Tennis Involvement

Porsche Team Germany

New dynamics Porsche has been the Premium Partner of the Deutsche Tennis Bund (DTB – German Tennis Association) and the sponsor of Porsche Team Germany. This season, Mona Barthel, Annika Beck, Julia Görges, Anna-Lena Grönefeld, Angelique Kerber, Sabine Lisicki, Andrea Petkovic and Carina Witthöft all belong to the team captained by national coach Barbara Rittner.

Women’s tennis in Germany has enjoyed a new dynamism ever since Porsche started its commitment. In 2014 Porsche Team Germany, spearheaded by Porsche Brand Ambassador Angelique Kerber, reached the Fed Cup final for the first time in 22 years. Porsche Team Germany players also won five WTA tournaments in 2015: Angelique Kerber won in Charleston, Stuttgart, Birmingham and Stanford, Annika Beck was successful in Quebec. The successes were added to at the start of the 2016 season at the Australian Open by Angelique Kerber’s magnificent first ever Grand Slam win.

The cooperation between the DTB and Porsche, which also includes the support given to hopeful up-and-coming players in the Porsche Talent Team Germany, has resulted in German women’s tennis reaching a new level. “We want German players to also be successful as a team,” said Dr Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. Also close to Porsche’s heart is the development of Germany’s junior players. The success of the top players will also rub off onto the many talented youngsters. “Playing tennis is far more fun for youngsters when they have role models. We want to play our part in making sure there are such role models in the future too,” continued Dr Oliver Blume.

Committed to supporting juniors

The partnership with the Deutsche Tennis Bund is an essential part of Porsche’s sponsoring concept of which the advancement of juniors plays an important role. Under the “Motto for Talents”, Porsche thus supports the junior activities at various sports clubs in places where Porsche has facilities.

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Mona Barthel

Date of birth: 11 July 1990 Birthplace: Bad Segeberg, Germany Residence: Neumünster, Germany Height: 1.85 m Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.3.2016) Singles: 61

Career highlights (selection) 2016 Quarterfinalist Hobart 2015 Finalist Luxembourg, Bastad, 2nd round Australian Open, quarterfinalist Antwerp, 2nd round Indian Wells 2014 Win Bastad, semifinalist Luxembourg, 3rd round Australian Open, 2nd round Wimbledon 2013 Win Paris, finalist Hobart, semifinalist Auckland, last 16 Indian Wells, Doha, Cincinnati, Washington DC, Bad Gastein, Birmingham, 2nd round, Wimbledon, US Open 2012 Win Hobart, semifinalist Bastad, quarterfinalist Stuttgart, Paris, Copenhagen, 3rd round Australian Open, Miami 2011 2nd round French Open, US Open, semifinalist Copenhagen, ITF wins Andrezieux, Mestre, Shrewsbury, ITF finalist Sutton, Bronx 2010 ITF wins Wrexham, Torhout, ITF semifinalist Bratislava

Fed Cup (since 2013) Rubbers played Record Overall 2 1:1 Singles: 2 1:1 Doubles: 0 0:0

Homepage: www.mona-barthel.de Twitter: @MonaBarthel

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Annika Beck

Date of birth: 16 February 1994 Birthplace: Giessen, Germany Residence: Bonn, Germany Height: 1.70 m Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.3.2016) Singles: 40

Career highlights (selection) 2016 Last 16 Australian Open 2015 Win Quebec, finalist Florianopolis, quarterfinalist S’-Hertogenbosch, Bad Gastein, Taschkent 2nd round Miami 2014 Win Luxembourg, 3rd round Indian Wells, 3rd round Doha, 2nd round Australian Open, semi-finalist Shenzhen, quarterfinalist s-Hertogenbosch 2013 Finalist Luxemburg, semifinalist Katowice, quarterfinalist Bad Gastein, Budapest, Nuremberg, Shenzen, 2nd round Australian Open 2012 Win French Open Juniors, 1st round Wimbledon, ITF wins Moscow, Barnstaple, Ismaning, Shrewsbury, Koksijde, Versmold 2011 ITF semifinalist Helsinki, Shrewsbury, Darmstadt, Stockholm, Andrezieux

Fed Cup (since 2013) Rubbers played Record Overall: 2 1:1 Singles: 1 1:0 Doubles: 1 0:1

Twitter: @BeckAnnika

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Julia Görges

Date of birth: 2 November 1988 Birthplace: Bad Oldesloe, Germany Residence: Bad Oldesloe/Hannover, Germany Height: 1.80 m Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.3.2016) Singles: 66

Career highlights (selection) 2016 Finalist Auckland, doubles finalist Indian Wells 2015 Last 16 Australian Open, French Open, quarterfinalist Auckland, Kuala Lumpur, doubles semifinalist Australian Open 2014 Semifinalist Pattaya, Quebec, quarterfinalist Strasbourg, mixed finalist French Open 2013 Last 16 Australian Open, Stuttgart, Charleston, New Haven, Brussels, Nuremberg, Auckland 2012 Finalist Dubai, Linz, quarterfinalist Paris, Barcelona, Palermo, last 16 Australian Open, Indian Wells, Auckland; doubles finalist Auckland, Stuttgart, Linz 2011 Win Stuttgart, 3rd round Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, semifinalist Auckland, Madrid, Luxembourg, quarterfinalist Charleston, Seoul; doubles finalist Bad Gastein, Linz 2010 Win Bad Gastein, finalist Luxemburg, semifinalist Palermo, quarterfinalist Strasbourg, Copenhagen, Linz, last 16 Pattaya, Ponte Vedra Beach, Estoril, Quebec, Tokyo; doubles win Copenhagen, Seoul

Fed Cup (since 2008) Rubbers played Record Overall: 16 8:8 Singles: 9 4:5 Doubles: 7 4:3

Homepage: www.julia-goerges.com Twitter: @juliagoerges

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Anna-Lena Grönefeld

Date of birth: 4 June 1985 Birthplace: Nordhorn, Germany Residence: Hannover, Germany Height: 1.80 metres: Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (As of 21.3.2016) Doubles: 29

Career highlights (selection) 2016 Doubles win San Antonio 2015 Doubles semifinalist Auckland, Australian Open, US Open, New Haven 2014 Win mixed French Open, doubles win Paris, Doubles semifinalist Rome 2013 Doubles win Brussels, doubles finalist Brisbane, Cincinnati, Toronto, Nürnberg, doubles semifinalist Wimbledon, Eastbourne, Doha 2012 Doubles win Linz, doubles finalist Paris, Stuttgart, Bad Gastein, Tokio, doubles semifinalist Doha, Eastbourne 2011 Doubles finalist Monterrey, Linz 2010 Doubles win Kopenhagen, doubles finalist Monterrey, doubles semifinalist Sydney, Bad Gastein 2009 Win mixed Wimbledon, doubles win Brisbane, Linz 2008 Doubles win Stuttgart, Quebec, doubles finalist Zürich 2007 Doubles win Sydney 2006 Singles win Acapulco, doubles win Pattaya, Toronto, Bali, doubles finalist San Diego, Toronto, Luxemburg 2005 Doubles win Pattaya, Toronto, Bali, Acapulco, Stanford, singles finalist Pattaya, Peking, Luxemburg

Fed Cup (since 2004) Rubbers played Record Overall: 34 19:15 Singles: 18 11:7 Doubles: 16 8:8 Homepage: www.annalenagroenefeld.com Twitter: @Annagroenefeld

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Angelique Kerber

Date of birth: 18 January 1988 Birthplace: Bremen, Germany Residence: Puszczykowo, Poland Height: 1.73 m Plays: Left-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.3.2016) Singles: 3

Career highlights (selection) 2016 Win Australian Open, finalist Brisbane 2015 Win Charleston, Stuttgart, Birmingham, Stanford, finalist Hong Kong, semifinalist Sydney, Nuremberg, Wuhan, quarterfinalist Brisbane, Tokyo, Peking, 3rd round Miami, Dubai, 1 win at WTA Finals 2014 Quarterfinalist Wimbledon, last 16 Australian Open, French Open, finalist Sydney, Doha, Eastbourne, Stanford, semifinalist Tokyo, quarterfinalist Brisbane, Paris, Miami, Nuremberg, Wuhan 2013 Win Linz, finalist Tokyo, Monterrey, semifinalist Sydney, Indian Wells, Stuttgart, quarterfinalist Brisbane, Madrid, Washington DC, Beijing, last 16 Australian Open, French Open, US Open 2012 Semifinalist Wimbledon, quarterfinalist French Open, last 16 US Open, win Paris, Copenhagen, finalist Eastbourne, Cincinnati, semifinalist Indian Wells, Hobart and Auckland, 3rd round Australian Open 2011 Semifinalist US Open, Dallas, Osaka, quarterfinalist Hobart, doubles semifinalist Osaka 2010 3rd round Australian Open, Wimbledon, finalist Bogota, semifinalist Luxemburg, quarterfinalist Fes, Copenhagen, last 16 Ponte Vedra Beach, Charleston, Birmingham, Peking

Fed Cup (since 2007) Rubbers played Record Overall: 19 10:9 Singles: 19 10:9 Doubles: 0 0:0

Homepage: www.angelique kerber.de Twitter: @AngeliqueKerber

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Sabine Lisicki

Date of birth: 22 September 1989 Birthplace: Troisdorf, Germany Residence: Bradenton, Florida Height: 1.78 m Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.3.2016) Singles: 37

Career highlights (selection) 2016 2nd round Australian Open 2015 Semifinalist Indian Wells, Birmingham, quarterfinalist US Open, Miami, last 16 Toronto, 3rd round French Open, doubles win Brisbane 2014 Quarterfinalist Wimbledon, 3rd round US Open, win Hong Kong, doubles win Miami 2013 Finalist Wimbledon, Pattaya, Memphis, semifinalist Luxemburg 2012 Quarterfinalist Wimbledon, last 16 Australian Open, quarterfinalist in Dubai, Charleston, Auckland, 2011 Semifinalist Wimbledon, last 16 US Open, win Birmingham, Dallas, semifinalist Stanford, Bali, quarterfinalist Stuttgart, Carlsbad; doubles finalist Wimbledon, doubles win Stuttgart 2010 2nd round Australian Open, US Open

Fed Cup (since 2008) Rubbers played Record Overall: 15 10:5 Singles: 10 5:5 Doubles: 5 5:0

Homepage: www.sabinelisicki.com Twitter: @sabinelisicki

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Andrea Petkovic

Date of birth: 9 September 1987 Birthplace: Tuzla, Bosnia Residence: Darmstadt, Germany Height: 1.80 m Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.3.2016) Singles: 21

Career highlights (selection) 2016 semifinalist Doha, quarterfinalist Brisbane 2015 Win Antwerp, semifinalist Miami, Charleston, quarterfinalist Doha, Eastbourne, 3rd round French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, last 16 Toronto, Cincinnati, Peking, 2014 Semifinalist French Open, 3rd round Wimbledon, US Open, win Charleston, Bad Gastein, Sofia, semifinalist Stanford, quarterfinalist Paris, Strasbourg, doubles semifinalist Wimbledon 2013 Finalist Washington DC, Nuremberg 2012 Semifinalist Luxemburg, quarterfinalist Brisbane 2011 Win Strasbourg, finalist Brisbane, Peking, semifinalist Miami, Carlsbad, Cincinnati, quarterfinalist Australian Open, French Open, US Open, Paris, Stuttgart, Toronto. Winner of the Fed Cup Heart Award. 2010 Last 16 US Open, finalist ’s Hertogenbosch, semifinalist Brisbane, Istanbul, Linz, quarterfinalist Paris

Fed Cup (since 2007) Rubbers played Record Overall: 17 13:8 Singles: 14 11:5 Doubles: 3 2:3

Homepage: www.andreapetkovic.de Twitter: @andreapetkovic

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Carina Witthöft

Date of birth: 16 February 1995 Residence: Hamburg, Germany Club: Der Club an der Alster Plays: Right-handed

Current WTA ranking (as of 21.03.2016) Singles: 82

Career highlights (selection) 2015 3rd round Australian Open, 2nd round French Open, quarterfinalist Nuremberg, Kuala Lumpur, ITF wins Versmold, Altenkirchen, Cagnes sur Mer 2014 1st round Australian Open, ITF win Jou les Tours, Saint Malo, Barnstaple, Hechingen, ITF finalist Shrewsbury, Aschaffenburg, Stuttgart Vaihingen, ITFsemifinalist Versmold, Preston 2013 1st round Wimbledon, ITF win Hechingen, ITF finalist Alphen a/d Rijn, Sutton, ITF semifinalist Bad Saulgau 2012 ITF win Ystad, Wrexham, ITF finalist Bad Saulgau 2011 ITF win Zell am Hammersbach, ITF finalist Horb, ITF semifinalist Hechingen, Bastad 2010 ITF semifinalist Braunschweig

Porsche Team Germany - Bio

Barbara Rittner Head Coach

Date of birth: 25 April 1973 Birthplace: Krefeld, Germany Residence: Cologne, Germany Height: 1.73 m

Highest world ranking Singles: 24 (1.2.1993)

Career highlights (selection) 2002 Doubles win Dubai 2001 Win Antwerp; doubles win Estoril 1995 Finalist Linz 1993 Finalist San Marino 1992 Fed Cup win; win Schenectady; doubles win Essen 1991 Finalist St. Petersburg

Fed Cup (1991 2004) Rubbers played Record Overall: 41 19:22 Singles: 17 9:8 Doubles: 24 10:14

Homepage: www.barbara rittner.de Twitter: @BarbaraRittner

Porsche´s Tennis Involvement

Porsche Talent Team Germany

Impressive youngsters

As a Premium Partner of the Deutsche Tennis Bund (DTB – German Tennis Association), Porsche has been supporting the country’s best up-and-coming women players within the Porsche Talent Team Germany set-up since 2012. The team members this season are Anna-Lena Friedsam, Katharina Gerlach, Katharina Hobgarski, Antonia Lottner, Lena Rüffer and Irina Cantos Siemers.

“For us, it is important to not only support Porsche Team Germany in the Fed Cup. We also want to help promising juniors develop and accompany young players on their way to the top. The Porsche Talent Team Germany is therefore a project that is very dear to our hearts,” said Dr Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

The Deutsche Tennis Bund also sees the Porsche Talent Team Germany as being an important step on the road to establishing German women’s tennis at the top in the long term. The development curve for the supported players continues to point upwards. Highly impressive above all was Anna-Lena Friedsam – the reigning German champion reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time at the Australian Open in January 2016. The success has left her on the verge of breaking into the top 50.

The primary intention behind the sponsorship of Porsche and the DTB is to make the set-up for talented juniors more professional whereby the focus is on enhancing individual coaching and guidance both when practicing and at tournaments. The examples of Annika Beck and Carina Witthöft are proof that the concept is a success. During her time within the Porsche Talent Team Germany fold, Annika Beck won the junior competition at the 2012 French Open and was afterwards made a member of the senior Porsche Team Germany. In the meantime, on top of winning two titles on the WTA Tour she has also won her first Fed Cup rubber. Carina Witthöft, who was also supported within the Porsche Talent Team Germany set-up, has now also been

promoted to Porsche Team Germany as a result of her excellent performances.

A season highlight for the Porsche Talent Team Germany players will again be the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix this year. “Everything comes full circle at the tournament,” said Barbara Rittner, the Porsche Team Germany captain. “In Stuttgart, our players can gain valuable experience in the strong qualifying tournament and can learn from the world’s top players.”

The support for the Porsche Talent Team Germany and the Porsche Team Germany is an essential part of Porsche’s sponsoring concept of which the advancement of juniors plays an important role. Under the motto “Turbo for Talents”, Porsche thus supports junior activities at various sports clubs in places where Porsche has facilities.