Is there still a German success at this year’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix?
By Florian Goosmann from Stuttgart
For the first time since 2014 there will be a single final without German participation, in doubles Anna-Lena Grönefeld holds the German flag high. At the side of the American Raquel Atawo she defeated the duo Andreja Klepc/Maria José Martinez Sanchez 7:5, 6:3 and will play for her second triumph in the Porsche Arena on Sunday. In 2008 she won at Patty Schnyder’s side against Kveta Peschke/Rennae Stubbs.
Amusingly, this time it’s against Peschke again, who has actually been Grönefeld’s permanent partner in recent years. This time the Czech rider will compete with Nicole Melichar from the USA. “I know her very well, of course,” said Grönefeld after the semi-final – and also pointed out the great partnership with Atawo. “She’s very strong on the net, I’m trying to put a lot of pressure on the baseline.” Grönefeld still hopes for the support of the audience. “I’m glad you guys stayed so long. I hope you’ll come back tomorrow.”
In the final, which will take place between CoCo Vandeweghe and Karolina Pliskova (live on DAZN from 1.20 pm) after the single final, the 32-year-old will play for her 17th double title – and for the first with Atawo.
The double tableau at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix