Confirmed players include Dominic Thiem, Andrey Rublev, and Alexei Popyrin. The remaining three spots will be announced soon, depending on player availability, as several are still competing at other tournaments this week.
Dominic Thiem: “A great mix of show and sport”
Dominic Thiem is particularly looking forward to the event:
“I like to play a few show tournaments each year, and I didn’t have to think twice about Red Bull BassLine,” said the Austrian. “Since last year, the event has been staged on Center Court at the Wiener Stadthalle – a fantastic upgrade. I have great memories of that court, and it’s wonderful to relive those emotions in front of a few thousand fans.”
Although Thiem admits with a smile that he’s “not in his prime anymore,” his competitive spirit remains strong: “Before events like this, I do train a bit more. The format is cool – short, fast, with music that gives you energy. It’s a great mix of show and sport, and a perfect way to prepare, since you get to play under match conditions on Center Court.”
His musical wish for the night? “The DJ could definitely throw in a Schlager song,” joked Thiem.
Herwig Straka: “Moving into the Stadthalle was the right decision”
Tournament Director Herwig Straka is very pleased with the evolution of the format:
“Ticket sales are going very well – moving Red Bull BassLine into the Stadthalle was absolutely the right step. We want to offer fans more: music, action, no referees, short matches – there’s always something happening.”
In addition to tennis and music, fans can look forward to another highlight this year:
“With Game.Set.Match., we’re hosting an afterparty for the first time, directly inside the Stadthalle. This disco will run throughout the tournament week from 6 p.m. daily – we’ve truly made use of every corner of the venue,” said Straka.
Schett: “An event like no other”
Former world-class player and Red Bull BassLine on-court host Barbara Schett sums it up perfectly:
“It’s an event like no other – short, sharp, and with an amazing atmosphere. Fans get to see six top players in one evening. Everything happens a bit faster, and the crowd is fully involved.”
As for the format: group-stage matches are played best-of-three, with tiebreaks up to 5. The final is played best-of-five. The audience even gets to vote which players go into which groups.
“Popyrin is definitely someone who brings energy,” Schett added. “Last year he even had match point against Zverev – that says everything about the intensity of this format.”
Musical highlight with RIAN
Music will also take center stage: RIAN, an award-winning Austrian musician and avid tennis player, will perform before the final.
“I’m really looking forward to it – tennis is one of my passions,” said RIAN. He will even rework one of his songs with new lyrics inspired by sport and tennis – though the details remain a surprise.
Red Bull BassLine takes place on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6 pm on the Center Court of the Wiener Stadthalle. Fast points, strong beats – and tennis like you’ve never seen before.
