Oliver Pocher allows professional tennis players to use his private court

German entertainer Oliver Pocher has confirmed that his private tennis court in Cologne serves as a training facility for professional athletes. The facility, which features a Rebound Ace hard court surface, was constructed as a personal investment at a reported cost of approximately 50,000 euros.

Professional Training on a Private Court

While the court was initially built for personal use, it has become a destination for high-level players looking for specific surface training. In a recent appearance on the podcast TOMorrow, Pocher noted that he allows professional tennis players to utilize the facility when they need to prepare for major tournaments. Among those mentioned as having used the court is German doubles specialist Tim Pütz. According to Pocher, Pütz requested access to the facility to train ahead of the US Open.

Pütz and his longtime doubles partner, Kevin Krawietz, reached the final of the US Open in September 2026. The German duo ultimately finished as runners-up in the tournament, falling to Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski with a score of 4:6, 6:7 (6:8).

Rationale for the Hard Court Investment

Pocher described the decision to install a hard court rather than a traditional clay surface as a strategic choice. He noted that the Rebound Ace surface is relatively rare in Germany and offers practical advantages for the local climate. Because the facility is a hard court, it requires significantly less maintenance than clay and remains playable in Cologne for a larger portion of the calendar year, often remaining usable through November.

Beyond his own recreational use, Pocher has shared his expertise on court surfaces with other public figures. He recounted providing advice to former German national football player Toni Kroos regarding the selection of a tennis court surface, recommending the same Rebound Ace hard court configuration used at his own home. Entertainer Giovanni Zarrella has also been identified as a user of the facility.

Current Usage of the Cologne Facility

Despite its utility for professional training, Pocher indicated that his own usage of the court has decreased recently. He remarked that the area has frequently been used by his children as a space for cycling practice. However, the entertainer stated his intention to increase his own time on the court in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Facility

Which professional players have used the court?
Oliver Pocher identified German doubles player Tim Pütz as a recent user who trained there ahead of the 2026 US Open. He also mentioned that Italian professional Jannik Sinner has trained on the court.

What is the surface of the court?
The court is a Rebound Ace hard court. Pocher opted for this surface specifically for its durability and reduced maintenance requirements compared to the clay courts commonly found in Germany.

What was the cost of the project?
Pocher reported that the construction of the private tennis facility in Cologne required an investment of approximately 50,000 euros.