The “Road to Erste Bank Open” is moving from Vienna to Villach, bringing public exhibition matches directly to the city’s central square on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, as reported by 5min.at. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time on the Villacher Rathausplatz, the pop-up event is organized by the Villacher Arbeitersportverein (VAS) in cooperation with the Carinthian Tennis Association.
Bringing Tennis to the City Center
Organizers aim to lower the barrier to entry for the sport by setting up play areas in a public thoroughfare. “We want to show that tennis is a sport for everyone—dynamic, exciting, and experienced right in the middle of the city,” VAS head Philipp Coloini said, according to reporting by 5min.at. “At the same time, we want to inspire new people for tennis and club life.” Last year’s edition of the promotional tour took place in Vienna before organizers shifted the venue to the Drau city for 2026.
Patrick Ofner and Sarah Kanduth Join Mini-Court Competition
Play on the Rathausplatz will take place on two compact 6-by-12-meter courts using a knockout format. Participants will use smaller junior rackets and softer balls in a mixed singles competition. Carinthian record tournament winner Patrick Ofner—noted for his 109 victories—and masters world champion Sarah Kanduth (+30) are both scheduled to participate, 5min.at reported.
Winner Receives VIP Tickets and Hotel Stay
The winner of the Villach event will receive two VIP tickets for the Erste Bank Open on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The prize package also includes a hotel overnight stay in the official player hotel, travel arrangements, a tournament towel, merchandise, and a FILA set. All participating players will receive goodie bags.
Weather Contingency Plans
The entire schedule is dependent on favorable outdoor conditions in the city center. Should inclement weather prevent outdoor play on the town hall square, organizers confirmed the tournament will move indoors to the VAS hall located on St. Martiner Straße, ensuring the matches proceed as planned on Oct. 3.
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