The women's tennis players are the big stars at the Ladies Open in Biel. One man could steal the show - at least briefly.
Wherever he appears, entertainment is guaranteed. For once, Marco Rima, cabaret artist and actor, is doing this not on stage or in front of the camera, but on the tennis court.
Tennis fan Rima will be challenging none other than Martina Hingis. On the final Sunday - between the singles and doubles finals - the comedian wants to bring the former world number one in women's tennis to her knees. "Martina will bite her teeth out on my slice," the 56-year-old is certain. "In life I'm a gentleman, on the court I know no mercy."
Hingis takes the challenge in her stride: "He's definitely eloquent - now I'm curious to see how quick-witted he is with the racquet!". After all, Rima has already competed with tennis legends such as Boris Becker, Yannick Noah and Tim Henman.
At least 25 players from the top 100 of the world rankings
It is to be hoped for Swiss fans that Rima and Hingis will not be the only Swiss players to cause a sensation on the final day in Biel.
At least 25 players from the top 100 in the world rankings -includingfour from the top 30 - will be
taking part. In the singles, the Swiss fans' eyes will mainly be onBelindaBencic (20) and Viktorija Golubic (24).
Bencic wants to get back on track in Biel after being in crisis recently. She could do with the support of the fans. Golubic is also particularly motivated. She has fond memories of a Swiss tournament. She won the WTA tournament in Gstaad in 2016. Can she pull off the same feat in Biel?
Internationally, players such as Barbora Strycova, Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic will be eagerly awaited.
WTA LADIES OPEN
April 8 - 16, 2017, Swiss Tennis Center Biel
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