German Tennis Stars Prep on Oliver Pocher’s Private Köln Court
Comedian Oliver Pocher has turned a 50,000-euro backyard investment at his Cologne home into a training hub for top tennis professionals, hosting players such as doubles specialists Tim Pütz and Kevin Krawietz alongside Italian star Jannik Sinner. Speaking on the podcast “TOMorrow” with Tom Junkersdorf, the 48-year-old entertainer revealed that his private court has drawn elite athletes seeking quality practice conditions away from public facilities.
Why Pocher Installed a Hard Court Instead of Clay
Rather than choosing a traditional clay setup, Pocher opted for a Rebound Ace hard court when building the facility in Cologne years ago. According to the comedian, the project cost roughly 50,000 euros, with part of the expenses offset by participating suppliers. The surface choice provides distinct operational advantages, featuring a low maintenance burden and an extended outdoor season that withstands local weather conditions well into November.
Elite Practice Sessions Ahead of Major Tournaments
Word of the private facility has spread across the tennis circuit. Ahead of the US Open in New York, German doubles standout Tim Pütz and partner Kevin Krawietz reached out to arrange practice sessions on the Cologne court. Pütz and Krawietz subsequently advanced to the US Open doubles final in September, where they ultimately finished as runners-up against Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski with scores of 4:6 and 6:7 (6:8), as reported by Promiflash.
Pocher noted that other high-profile names have also utilized his property. World-class players including Jannik Sinner and long-time acquaintance Jan-Lennard Struff—whom Pocher has known for more than a decade—have stepped onto the private court to train.
Passing on Facility Advice to Toni Kroos
Pocher’s experience with court maintenance has even influenced other prominent athletes. When former German national football player Toni Kroos considered installing a tennis court at his own property, he consulted Pocher for advice on surface selection. Pocher recommended the exact same Rebound Ace hard court material he uses at his Cologne residence.
Bicycle Traffic Rather Than Match Play
Despite hosting international tennis stars, the homeowner himself has spent less time on the court recently. Pocher shared that his five children have repurposed the expensive facility for their own activities, transforming the professional-grade surface into what he described as a bicycle training ground. Nonetheless, the comedian intends to pick up his racket more frequently moving forward, balancing family life with his ongoing connection to professional tennis.
