Draw in the logistics park of the Linz AG harbour with Giorgi and Potapova

Traditionally, a LINZ AG site provides the perfect setting for the draw for the Upper Austria Ladies Linz. In keeping with the organisation of the tennis classic, which has been upgraded to a WTA 500 event, this year's ceremony took place in the deep-freeze and pharmaceutical hall in the logistics park of the LINZ AG port, an international hub. In addition to internationality, sustainability is another element that links LINZ AG and the tennis tournament. "The Upper Austria Ladies Linz brings absolute top players to Upper Austria, and we are proud to be on board and once again be able to offer an exceptional venue for the draw," explained Dr Jutta Rinner, CEO of LINZ AG, at the venue for the draw.

Former Linz winners Camila Giorgi and Anastasia Potapova took part in the "Draw Ceremony", spectacularly manoeuvring forklifts up into the air and attaching the participants' name tags to pallets. "I thought it was artistic, it was beautiful and unusual - something completely different! I really enjoyed it," said Giorgi. Potapova emphasised: "It was unique, I don't think anyone has ever done anything like it before. And I'm happy that I was able to take part in something like this."

The harbour district is one of the most exciting development areas in the city of Linz and is of the utmost importance for the Linz economic region. In 2014, LINZ AG launched the Neuland project as part of a masterplan. With the 3,600 square metre harbour park on the roof of the logistics hall and the 28 metre high observation tower, this also includes an attractive leisure offer. Spectacular panoramic views over the Danube and the city of Linz are guaranteed, which also impressed Camila Giorgi and Anastasia Potapova after the draw, who took a selfie together at the observation tower. Keyword: Upgrade!

Difficult, but not impossible task for Kraus

Seven players will advance to the main draw from the sensational qualifying draw, for which the cut-off this year is WTA rank 130 (last year, 620th place was the end of the line) (one "lucky loser" is included). Camila Giorgi, the 2018 Linz winner, and last year's winner Potapova were both drawn to play a qualifier.

Former world number one Angelique Kerber will be challenged by Italy's Lucia Bronzeti in her European comeback after maternity leave, while top seeds Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia/WTA 10), Ekaterina Alexandrova (WTA 20), Donna Vekic (Croatia/25) and Elise Mertens (Belgium/28) are through to the last 16 thanks to a bye.

Local favourite Sinja Kraus, on the other hand, will have to hope for a surprise as she faces Clara Burel from France. The 22-year-old from Rennes recently reached the third round of the Australian Open, on the way to which she defeated world number five Jessica Pegula from the USA.

Quick reunion

They were just opponents in the doubles final of the Australian Open, now they will meet again in Linz: Belgium's ace Elise Mertens won the title at the first Grand Slam of the year alongside Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei. After one and a half hours, the duo triumphed 6:1 and 7:5 over Lyudmyla Kichenok from Ukraine and Jelena Ostapenko, both of whom also played in Linz. For Mertens, the 2020 Linz finalist, the Melbourne 2024 victory was the fourth Grand Slam doubles success of her career.

Australian Open semi-finalist Dayana Yastremska landed in Munich on Sunday morning and then took the Lexus shuttle across the border to neighbouring Upper Austria. The blonde Ukrainian was still pretty tired from the long journey from Melbourne, but happy to have arrived in Europe.

Tennis mum Angelique Kerber also arrived in Linz on Sunday with her daughter Liana, and the three-time Grand Slam tournament winner will take part in the tournament on Tuesday. In Australia at the beginning of the year, the 36-year-old from Kiel was already able to show that her tennis has not suffered during her one-and-a-half-year baby break, with Kerber winning the United Cup title with Team Germany.

In 2013, "Angie" was successful in Linz and Kerber prevented the Serb's third Linz triumph in a memorable final against Ana Ivanovic. The two friends could meet again this year, but only off the court. Ivanovic will be a star guest at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz on the final weekend in the Design Centre and will be available for photos and autographs in the Public Village.

Both are delighted with the upgrading of the women's tennis classic in Linz. "The tournament in Linz has such a strong history, Sandra Reichel and her team always make sure that everyone feels comfortable. I think Linz absolutely deserves its 500 status," said Ivanovic, complimenting the organisers.

Unique trophy from Swarovski

With the upgrade to the WTA 500 tournament, the prize money in Linz has been significantly increased, and this year for the first time 922,573 US dollars, just under 850,000 euros, will be on offer.

However, the winner's eyes will not only be shining with the winner's cheque - 142,000 US dollars (around 135,000 euros) and 500 ranking points - but the sensationally designed winner's trophy will also cause quite a stir. Swarovski created a shimmering gold icon especially for Linz, which was designed by master craftsmen in Wattens.

On Sunday morning, tournament director Sandra Reichel received some bad news: Elina Svitolina had to cancel at the last minute. "She tried everything, but it didn't work," reported Reichel, the Ukrainian's back injury, which had forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open, meant she was unable to compete in Linz