Stuttgart (dpa) – After 42 years, the Stuttgart ATP lawn tennis tournament is looking for a new major sponsor and namesake. Mercedes-Benz has not extended its contract, which expires at the end of 2021, as reported by the “Stuttgarter Zeitung” and the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten”.
According to tournament director Edwin Weindorfer, the tournament, which will be held from June 6th to 12th this year, is not in danger. “We are in intensive talks and negotiations with three potential new title sponsors,” Weindorfer told the newspapers: “The tournament at the Weissenhof is secured – for this summer and until 2025.” As the organizers confirmed on Thursday, the contract with TC Weissenhof, on whose club facility the event takes place, runs until 2025.
Even if a new sponsor is not found by the end of March as hoped, there are “so many strong partners that the tournament will continue,” said Weindorfer. Mercedes has been a major sponsor since 1979.
The lawn tournament serves to prepare for the Grand Slam event in Wimbledon, which begins at the end of June. Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and Australian tennis pro Nick Kyrgios have confirmed their participation in the upcoming edition.