The World Tennis Award, presented by World Tennis, formerly known as the International Tennis Federation (ITF), is regarded as one of the highest honours in the sport. Tennis federations from around the world voted to recognise Herwig Straka for his commitment and contributions to tennis at an international level.

“Together with my good friend Dietloff von Arnim, it is my great privilege to formally present you with the World Tennis Award – an honour bestowed on only very few people,” Austrian Tennis Federation President Richard Grasl said in his address to Straka. “Together with your team and your sponsors, you are the reason why we have been able to enjoy such a fantastic week of tennis here for so many years. Thank you very much for that.”

In his speech, Grasl also highlighted Straka’s commitment beyond the Erste Bank Open. The 60-year-old Styrian, who is also a member of the ATP Board of Directors, brought the Davis Cup back to Vienna this September after an 18-year absence and has also organised Davis Cup events in Germany.

Straka said he was deeply honoured by the award: “Tennis is my life. As we have just heard, this award was approved at the General Assembly by tennis federations from around the world. That is, of course, a tremendous honour for me. None of this would be possible without a great team, and the Erste Bank Open have an exceptionally good one. I would also like to thank the fans in Vienna for their support of the tournament. And last but not least, thank you to my family.”