The opening qualifying matches already produced a fantastic atmosphere on the courts and in the stands at the Marx Halle. Fans followed the action from close range and provided a lively start to tournament week.

The main draw ceremony also attracted a large crowd in front of the stage. Together with Jurij Rodionov, Nico Langmann and several young “lucky charms” selected from the audience, the match-ups were determined that will provide plenty of excitement at the Wiener Stadthalle and the Marx Halle from Monday onwards. Find out more here.

World-class stars up close on the practice courts

In the afternoon, the practice courts took centre stage. With Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev and Matteo Berrettini, several of the tournament’s biggest names prepared for their opening matches at the Marx Halle.

The areas surrounding the practice courts were packed, phones were raised and the excitement was clear to see. Every serve, every spectacular rally and every glance from the stars towards the crowd was followed closely and greeted with applause.

By the time Alcaraz stepped onto the court alongside fellow fan favourite Grigor Dimitrov, the special atmosphere inside the venue was impossible to miss – or to ignore. The Spanish superstar thrilled the crowd as he prepared for his first appearance in Vienna in five years, giving fans the chance to experience world-class tennis from just a few metres away.

A perfect opening day

The very first day showed exactly what the Marx Halle represents at the Erste Bank Open: major matches, public practice sessions, close encounters with the stars and a perspective on tennis that fans rarely get to experience.

Selfie time! Picture: e|motion/Stefan Strasser