Ortisei Lights Up: World-Class Tennis Arrives
20.11.25
The late placement in the calendar makes the event an irresistible draw for many players: there are valuable points at stake in the race for the 2026 Australian Open qualifying rounds. The medium-fast hard courts in Ortisei provide ideal playing conditions.
At the top of the provisional entry list is Belgian Sofia Costoulas, a semifinalist at the WTA 125 in Rovereto last October. Close behind is a familiar face: former TC Rungg player, the Swiss Susan Bandecchi, aged 27. The third seed, Silvia Ambrosio, was a finalist here a year ago and is currently competing in the Serie A1 semifinals with TC Rungg, although she is dealing with some knee discomfort. The field is truly international, with 14 nations represented: Britain’s Mimi Xu (18), her Ukrainian contemporary Veronika Podrez, and Germany’s Noma Noha Akugue, who rose as high as world No. 142 in 2023. Also present is the defending champion, Weronika Falkowska, who will most likely have to start from the qualifying draw.
Once again, there is room for local talents. Laura Mair, 22, from Selva, has received a wild card for the main draw. The standout player of TC Gherdeina, coming back from several injuries, has climbed to No. 585 in the WTA rankings, her career best. With the right form and her powerful forehand, she could be a real threat in Ortisei’s high-altitude conditions, over 1,000 metres above sea level. A qualifying wild card has been awarded to Lisa Peer, 17, also from TC Gherdeina: just a few weeks ago in Sicily she reached her first ITF main draw and won on her debut. The national federation’s wild cards will be announced at the last moment, and the organisers hope for one or two notable names.
