Date: 18 June 2017
Originally published in: Westfalen-Blatt (Germany)
Written by:
Halle (WB / mdm). With a very lively appearance of the 1980s icon Kim Wilde on the Saturday evening the first day of the 25th Gerry Weber Open in Halle came to an end. At the anniversary gala, many players and artists appreciated the long-standing commitment of the tournament organizers. “It feels like home,” said Henri Leconte on stage. The GWO winner of 1993 finally won his last single title.
Michael Stich, the first German winner of the Rasentournament, also found only nice words. “This tournament is centered on people,” he said. In addition, there are always the biggest trophies at the GWO. “Wimbledon has a huge moving cup, but you can only take a small one with you,” he added with a wink.
Tennis World Cups First Angelique Kerber was still happy on Saturday night after the victory at the first “Champions Trophy” show match. “I’m going to have a good feeling for the next few weeks,” she said. On Sunday she had to cancel her participation in the tournament in Birmingham because of a thigh injury.
ATP boss Chris Kermode spoke of an “oasis of tennis”. You drive forever over the country until you suddenly stand in front of the big stadium.
Almost an hour later than expected, the American Kim Wilde performed. Too long had all the honors and congratulations lasted. For their fans in the VIP tent, the waiting was worthwhile: Topfit had a 56-year-old pop musician playing mostly her biggest hits, including »Cambodia« and »Kids in America«. Also the English version of Nena’s “Irgendie Irgendwo Irgendwann,” she sang and surprised with some German words.
