86 million dollars for the stars

Stuttgart. Not only will the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix be presenting Itself with a new look on 2009 but the whole Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Is doing the same. In order to reduce the burden on the players, there will now only be 54 tournaments in 31 countries. Prize money has reached new heights - 86 million dollars. Alongside the four Grand Slams in Melbourne, Paris, Wimbledon and New York there are 20 Premiere Events and the tournament In the Porsche Arena is one of them.

"It's an upgrade and one that makes us very happy," said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt. "I see it as a accolade that makes it our duty to become even better." Laura Ceccarelli, the WTA Supervisor, has no doubts it is something he and his team will achieve: "I'm sure the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will also be the best tournament on clay."

22/01/2009