According to Straka, the difficulty in attracting the absolute tennis elite to Vienna is a product of several factors:
"Personal relationships play a role, but so does money, of course. Furthermore, it's increasingly important for players to know they'll be well-treated, also in a medical sense. They know what they get in Vienna. We have a very good relationship with these players, and I'm delighted every time they commit."
We have a particularly good relationship with Alexander Zverev. With his US Open title and victory at the French Open, as well as Sinner's success at Wimbledon, three current Grand Slam titles will be on display in Vienna.
"I'm absolutely thrilled for him. Clearly, he's found his stride now. If all goes well, it could even be that the world number one spot is contested in Vienna. Because between Sinner and Zverev, it could come down to who will lead the world rankings at the end of the year. That would, of course, be another boost for the tournament," says Straka.
He doesn't want to make a winner's prediction. However, there is a list of players that tennis fans should pay special attention to: "Learner Tien, whom we secured very early on, as well as Jakob Mensik and Daniel Merida. There are many young players among them. That is always the goal, to bring new faces. They are definitely 'players to watch'. They will bring us a lot of joy."
Davis Cup as qualification for Vienna?
As there are currently no top Austrian male players competing at the absolute world elite level who could qualify for the Erste Bank Open via the world rankings, wildcards will have to be used to see local players in the Wiener Stadthalle.
The upcoming Davis Cup tie between Austria and Belgium could serve as a platform for some players to recommend themselves for a wildcard.
"The Davis Cup is a good opportunity to show how one plays in front of a home crowd. Juri Rodionov certainly has the best chances at the moment; he is highest in the rankings, as Sebastian Ofner is no longer playing this season. If one or another player steps into the spotlight at the Davis Cup, we will certainly take that into consideration," Straka confirms.
"Es ist für den Fan gar nicht mehr so wichtig, wer jetzt dann wirklich spielt."
The fact that there is currently no top Austrian male player competing at the absolute world elite level is a mixed blessing for Straka: "A curse, of course, because many tournaments thrive on local players. Roger Federer in Basel in the past, or Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona and Madrid – that's worth its weight in gold for a home tournament."
"At the same time, as an organizer, you are more challenged if you don't have that. There's even more to do, to think a little further, and that's the blessing. We've been doing that for many years. That's why, as a product, as the 'Erste Bank Open tennis experience', we offer even more than many other tournaments. Therefore, for the fan, it's no longer so important who actually plays."
Marx Halle offerings to be expanded
After its premiere last year, the Marx Halle will again be used as a second venue this year. The move from Heumarkt to the third district of Vienna has generated consistently positive feedback and was a huge hit with spectators, as well as the protagonists.
"Many players even preferred going to the Marx Halle because they had more peace there and the environment was more pleasant," Straka said.
It's particularly attractive for fans to watch the pros train. Compared to last year, an additional practice court will even be added. "This was also a huge hit with fans, as it allows them to get up close to Sinner and Zverev while they train. They will definitely do that again this time."
"Additionally, we will see many seeded players in matches there. This is simply unavoidable with such a strong field of players. There will be many opportunities to experience live tennis. We simply can no longer implement that in the Stadthalle due to lack of space," explains the tournament director.
When will the move happen?
The entire Erste Bank Open project is increasingly reaching its capacity limits. The tournament continues to grow, but the Wiener Stadthalle does not.
"Of course, we have a limit. We have been sold out every year for the past few years. Naturally, at some point, we wish for an expansion, a larger venue," demands Straka.
This was supposed to be the new planned event hall in Neu Marx. Originally, it was supposed to open as early as 2024, but currently, 2030 at the earliest has been put forward. However, whether this timeline is feasible is extremely uncertain. Construction has not yet begun to this day.
During the press conference ahead of the Erste Bank Open, Vienna's Sports Councilor Peter Hacker spoke plainly: "We notoriously put this out to tender. Evidently, the winner of the tender is having difficulties realizing the project; otherwise, we would already be looking at a construction pit."
"Es hilft ja nix. Das ist denen völlig wurscht!"
He expresses disappointment with the developments and paints a sobering picture for all who hoped for a new arena in the near future: "It's also somewhat astonishing that an international competition is held. It's sobering when you realize that you're not getting what you want to buy."
When asked if there was no pressure from the city's side, Hacker replied frustrated: "It's no use. They couldn't care less. I don't know, but quite obviously there are problems. Therefore, I am not confident that we will see the project realized anytime soon; otherwise, activities would already be underway."
How the matter of the new event hall will proceed is uncertain and remains to be seen. Until then, the stars of the tennis world will compete as usual in the Wiener Stadthalle and the old Marx Halle, delighting fans from all over Austria. The tournament week begins with qualification on October 24 and 25. The grand final will take place on November 1.
