Laura Siegemund, through no fault of her own, is under deadline pressure due to her successful run at the WTA Finals in Cancun. National coach Barbara Rittner criticizes the associations.
Laura Siegemund is putting herself and the German Tennis Association under deadline pressure with her winning streak at the WTA finals in Cancun. The Metzinger should strengthen the German team at the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup in Seville as early as possible. The 35-year-old from Metzingen’s entry into the final finally presented the DTB with a real logistical challenge.
Complicated travel planning: 7,800 kilometers + jet lag
“We had flights here every day for them,” said national coach Barbara Rittner on Monday – a few hours before Siegemund’s big appearance alongside Wera Swonarewa for the title in Mexico (7:30 p.m.): “Now we have to see how “She leaves there in the evening and then she’ll be here on Tuesday. Of course we need her, not just in doubles, but also in singles.” Siegemund has to quickly deal with the strenuous and long intercontinental flight of at least 7,800 kilometers as the crow flies and the expected jet lag if she wants to be back on the field on Thursday for the team coached by captain Rainer Schüttler and Rittner.
Players suffer from deadline pressure
In the former Fed Cup it will be in Andalusia against Italy (10:00 a.m.). The former world number 27. There is a rush for appointments in the individual, which Rittner clearly criticizes. “It’s a tragedy again that the players are suffering because the ITF and WTA can’t coordinate better,” said the 50-year-old: “Brutal, it’s really hard to understand over the years. You have to be very clear about that attack the leadership of the two associations.” The Australian Ellen Perez – Siegemund/Swonarewa’s final opponent in Cancun together with the American Nicole Melichar-Martinez – had also denounced a “date disaster” on X (formerly Twitter) and sarcastically asked whether someone would provide her with a private jet.
Siegemund: first German in 36 years
Perez was supposed to be in action for Australia on Tuesday, the first day of the Billie Jean King Cup. But this will not be possible. For Siegemund, who on Sunday evening became the first German tennis player since Claudia Kohde-Kilsch to reach the doubles final at the WTA finals 36 years ago and was extremely happy about it, there is at least hope that time can be enough. “She rewards herself for all the energy, ambition and discipline and is an absolute role model of what you can get out of yourself,” said Rittner, acknowledging the performance of the long-running favorite, who previously competed at the US Open in 2016 and 2020, among others Mixed and doubles triumphed.
