Tulln celebrates tennis anniversary: ​​Lower Austria Open with celebrities and 120,000 euros in prize money!

Tulln celebrates tennis anniversary: ​​Lower Austria Open with celebrities and 120,000 euros in prize money!

Tulln, Österreich - The ATP-100 Challenger tournament in Tulln is enjoying special attention this year, as it will take place from August 31 to September 7, 2025. With prize money of around 120,000 euros, it is one of the significant events of the Austrian tennis landscape. Tournament director Florian Leitgeb described the event as an important platform for local talents. It is the fifth time that Tulln is hosting this event, especially after the tournament in Salzburg, which means that only three Challenger events in Austria left: Mauthausen, Tulln and Bad Waltersdorf.

Sportland Lower Austria, the city of Tulln and EVN provide essential support to lead the tournament to success. According to [LAOLA1] (https://www.laola1.at/de/Red/sport-mix/atp/news/tulln-jubliaeum --als-holger-fuer-suture-sorgte/), a considerable part of the budget, namely 80%, comes from sponsors. Vice Mayor Wolfgang Mayrhofer emphasizes the international importance of the city in this context. Local player Lucas Miedler was able to triumph in the double competition of the previous year, and the hope for an Austrian winner in the individual competition remains high in 2025. Last year Lukas Neumayer reached the final.

challenges and developments

The organization of the tournament was not without challenges. According to Leitgeb, there were, among other things, renovation work on the tennis facility that had to be mastered. In addition, the discussions about the prize money on the ATP and Challenger tour are a recurring topic. Professionals often complain that the prize money in Challenger tournaments is not enough to cover the high costs. A player from the top 50 can spend up to $ 150,000 to $ 200,000 annually, which often makes participation in Challenger events a cost question, so that many have to choose between Challenger tournaments and qualifications for higher-class ATP events. Tennis Magazin explains the elaborate costs associated with travel, accommodation and training, which grows enormously in the first rounds.

The ATP, however, took measures to improve the situation. The price distribution for the Challenger Tour in 2025 was increased as part of the “OneVision” strategic plan of the ATP. Tennis Temples reports that the total prize money for Challenger tournaments increases from USD 12.1 million in 2022 in 2025. These measures should not only offer the players better financial conditions, but also improve the visibility and attractiveness of the Challenger tour as a whole.

Ticket sales for the Lower Austrian Open has already started and the anticipation for the tournament is growing. This year Tulln will be a scene for exciting matches, talented players and hopefully big triumph for the domestic athletes.