Leipzig Open 2026: Spanish player wins – but a German tennis rising star shines

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Irene Burillo from Spain has won the ITF Leipzig Open tournament. But the real surprise of the tournament week was the player she faced in the final. Ida Wobker from Osnabrück, aged just 15 – who had been given a wildcard into the draw – provided a promising spark in the German tennis scene. After the decisive match on Sunday – 7–6, 4–6, 0–6 – she spoke to the LZ about her impressions.

It wasn’t just the tennis starlet who shone on Sunday, 9 August – the big star, the sun, also bathed the Centre Court at the Leipzig Tennis Club 1990 in the Sportforum in abundant light and summer warmth. The Leipzig Open had already been taking place at the venue for a week. It is now a traditional tennis event comprising several tournaments, such as the International Saxon Championships (ISM). However, the flagship event is clearly the women’s ITF tournament. On the initiative of the association, the tournament had once again been awarded higher prize money for 2026 and upgraded to W75 status.

A total of 60,000 dollars was up for grabs this time for skilful play on the yellow felt court. ITF Finals winner Irene Burillo was delighted to take home exactly 8,277.80 euros from this prize fund. The journey from Spain was definitely worth it. Over the course of her career, the experienced 29-year-old has already earned well over half a million dollars in prize money. Her young opponent in the final, Ida Wobker, still has a long way to go to match that. Even so, her place in the final saw a tidy sum of 4,397.40 euros in prize money find its way into the account of this promising young German tennis player.

The two finalists: Ida Wobker (Germany/GER/left: runner-up) and winner Irene Burillo (Spain/ESP/right) after the prize-giving ceremony. Photo: Jan Kaefer

Nevertheless, it took her quite a while to shake off her disappointment at losing the Leipzig final. Wobker had managed to win the first set 7–6 in a tie-break and put up a fierce fight in the second set, trailing 4–6. It was only in the third and decisive set that Irene Burillo’s class and experience proved too much to handle; she lost it straight through 0–6. After the prize-giving ceremony, Ida Wobker nevertheless answered questions from the Leipziger Zeitung:

Ida, how are you feeling after finishing as runner-up in the final?

It was a tough match. Obviously, I’d have preferred to win. But looking at the tournament as a whole, it was a good one. I can’t complain – I played well, improved as the tournament went on and learnt a lot. I’m taking the positives from it.

You entered the tournament on a wildcard. What were your goals going in – where did you think you might finish?

I’m grateful that I got the wildcard at all, because last year I lost in the first round. I just focused on playing my best in each round as it came. It’s like training for me. I don’t usually play against such highly-ranked players that often, so I simply tried my best in every match and tried to put into practice what I do in training. And yes, it went quite well; it went well.

Ida Wobker (Germany/GER) in the final. Photo: Jan Kaefer.

What was going through your mind when things kept working out round after round this time and you suddenly found yourself in the final?

I was delighted that day, but then I had to focus on the next round straight away. I was happy, but I know that if I play well, I can achieve even more.

You’re still very young – how do you manage to keep your feet on the ground, on the one hand, and what are your goals, which surely aim a bit higher, on the other?

Of course, keeping your feet on the ground is important. I’m now trying to go far in the women’s events, play well and pick up a few points, and then get a taste of the Junior Grand Slams as well. We’ll see how it goes – always try to give my best, train hard now and take the positives from the week. Let’s see where it takes me.

Ida Wobker (Germany/ GER/ left) congratulates the final winner, Irene Burillo (Spain/ ESP/ right). Photo: Jan Kaefer.

What are your strengths, and why is it going so well at the moment?

I’d say I’m in a relatively good frame of mind. I have a style of play where I’m very aggressive, which means I do make mistakes more often. But I stay mentally strong. I think that’s my greatest strength.

How would you rate the tournament in Leipzig overall?

It’s an incredibly lovely tournament. You can really tell how much effort has gone into it. The crowd was incredible. It was absolutely brilliant to play here. The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. The courts are good, the ball boys and girls are good, the umpires are good – it was absolutely perfect; I’m always happy to come back.