To mark “50 years of tennis in Vienna”, the Erste Bank Open transformed Rathausplatz into a giant tennis court on Thursday, October 17. Several mini-courts invited tennis players to play for free - whether it was a match, training or simply picking up a racket for the first time: Everyone was welcome here.

While a Red Bull DJ set the mood with lively beats, a total of 48 participants competed in the hobby tournament (which was held jointly with the ÖTV) for the main prize: a ride in a specially designed gondola on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel together with a star of the Erste Bank Open.

Padel specialist Raninhard Boisits emerged as the winner of this mini-tournament. “The idea of bringing tennis to Rathausplatz is brilliant. The implementation was perfect, the tournament was well organized and everyone took part with great joy and enthusiasm. It got louder and louder from the knockout round onwards and the atmosphere was sensational. The fun was clearly the main priority, but the fact that we managed to win was a bonus.”

One of the mini-courts was reserved for wheelchair players. The offer was accepted with enthusiasm. The players competed against each other in both singles and doubles.

Picutre: e|motion/Florian Rogner