Ischgl Trophy: A new winter highlight in the sporting calendar

When you think of Ischgl in December, you inevitably think of skiing, après-ski, and fun in the mountain huts. The first ever Ischgl Trophy impressively demonstrated that Ischgl also has a completely different sporting side. Although the event traditionally started on Thursday with a cozy hut evening and a convivial get-together on the Idalp, the following days were not spent on the slopes but in the Ischgl Tennis Dome, where high-class tennis was on offer.

Throughout the Ischgl Trophy, I had the privilege of hosting the entire program together with TV tennis presenter Antonia Wisgickl – from the matches in the Tennis Dome to the ski race and the joyful gala evening.

Former world-class players on center court

Six former world-class players proved that they have hardly forgotten anything from their professional days. The field was led by Dominic Thiem and Tommy Haas, both former top-3 players from Austria and Germany. The high-caliber field of participants was completed by Feliciano López, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Stefan Koubek, and Mischa Zverev.

The tournament was played on Friday in two groups of three. The matches were played over one set, with a 6-6 tiebreak to 10 points deciding the winner – a format that guaranteed excitement and pace.

Dramatic matches and a surprise winner

Stefan Koubek and Feliciano López were defeated in the group matches. However, both were back on court on Saturday – together with Iva Majoli and Daniela Hantuchová in a mixed doubles match that was extremely well received by the audience.

In the semifinals, Dominic Thiem prevailed against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while Tommy Haas benefited from Mischa Zverev’s injury-related withdrawal. 

Several exhibition matches were also played on Sunday before the grand final: Haas vs. Thiem. The German, who is 15 years older, won surprisingly 6-3 and earned great respect from the Austrian crowd favorite. Thiem was sporting and appreciative afterwards:

“It’s my goal to still be able to play like Tommy in 15 years.”

The prize money was €25,000 and an e-mountain bike, which Tommy Haas tested on the spot to the delight of the spectators. A charming detail on the side: the German also won the joint ski race on Sunday morning. I have the feeling he doesn’t even want to lose at “Mensch ärger dich nicht” (Ludo).

Gala evening for a good cause

Antonia and I were also there for the very first Ischgl Trophy Gala. This time, it was also for a good cause: the Alexander Zverev Diabetes Foundation. High-profile guests such as DJ Ötzi, Oliver Pocher, and Mark Keller created a great atmosphere in the stylish event hall of the Silvretta Therme.

A big compliment and thank you to the entire event team led by Edwin Weindorfer and Tobias Bosch, as well as to my charming counterpart on the microphone. We are already looking forward to the second edition in 2026.

What do you think of the concept of combining world-class tennis with skiing fun in the Alps? Would you be interested in joining us next time? Feel free to leave me a comment here.