Wild Card Challenge as a springboard onto the world tennis stage

The upgrade to the WTA 500 event is also a special incentive for the ÖTV talents combined with the chance to present themselves on the world stage of women's tennis. The prelude to the Upper Austria Ladies Linz 2024 (28 January - 4 February) is once again the "Young Ladies Wild Card Challenge", which was launched in 2018 and will be held on 20/21 January at the Froschberg Tennis Centre. Eight Austrian players (U26) will compete for a coveted "free ticket", which entitles the winner of the challenge to take part in qualifying for the WTA tournament.

ÖTV Women's Sports Coordinator Marion Maruska explains this great event: "I'm delighted that Sandra and I have created this challenge together. It's a great opportunity for the young players to showcase themselves and play in the qualifiers if they win the WTA tournament. By upgrading to a WTA 500, they get to know the stage of the stars and can gain valuable experience for their own tennis. Thanks to Sandra Reichel and her team for their cooperation."

"Yes, it's great that we can organise this Wild Card Challenge in cooperation with the Austrian and Upper Austrian Tennis Association. It is always a matter close to my heart to offer our young players this platform," says tournament director Reichel.

Winner of the Wild Card Challenge:

2018 Mavie Österreicher (W)
2019 Emily Meyer (V)
2020 Veronika Bokor (Lower Austria)
2021 Mavie Österreicher (W)
2023 Veronika Bokor (Lower Austria)