Stuttgart – After 42 years, the Stuttgart ATP Lawn Tennis Tournament is looking for a new major sponsor and name sponsor. Mercedes-Benz has not renewed its contract, which expires at the end of 2021, as reported by the “Stuttgarter Zeitung” and the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten”.
The tournament, which will be held this year from 6 to 12 June, is not in danger, however, according to tournament director Edwin Weindorfer. “We are in intensive talks and negotiations with three potential new title sponsors,” Weindorfer told the newspapers: “The tournament at Weissenhof is secured – for this summer and until 2025.” As the organisers confirmed on Thursday, the contract with TC Weissenhof, on whose club grounds 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,” Weindorfer said. Mercedes had been a major sponsor since 1979.
The grass tournament serves as preparation for the Grand Slam event in Wimbledon, which starts 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.