In a turning point for German women’s Tennis, Torben Beltz, the experienced coach of former world number one Angelique Kerber, has been named the new coach of the women’s national team. Announced at a press conference on Tuesday, the 50-year-old is ready to navigate a difficult landscape, with no German player currently among the top 50 in the rankings.
Currently ranked German players include Laura Siegemund at 83rd, Tatjana Maria at 87th and Jule Niemeier at 91st, all striving to fill the huge void left by Kerber’s retirement.
“Our mission is to build on the legacy of Angelique Kerber and her contemporaries,” said Beltz, aware of the difficult road ahead. “I sincerely believe that we are not in as hopeless a situation as it might seem, but substantial progress takes time and effort.”
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The German Tennis Federation (DTB) has ambitious plans, aiming to have at least five players among the top 100 by 2027, with aspirations of winning two medals at the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles.
Rainer Schüttler will continue his role as team manager for the Billie Jean King Cup, and Beltz expressed his excitement about working with him: “I look forward to interacting with Rainer and sharing ideas as we Let’s move forward together.”
Beltz succeeds Barbara Rittner, who had a long and successful career, her tenure ending earlier this year when her contract was not renewed. This position was vacant until Beltz’s recent appointment. Meanwhile, Michael Kohlmann is leading the German men’s team.
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Under Beltz’s guidance, Kerber won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2016, followed by a remarkable victory at the US Open that same year, which propelled her to the top of the world rankings . He also played a crucial role in coaching her upon her return from maternity leave, a return which led to her retirement this year.
In early 2024, Beltz led a German team, including both Kerber and Alexander Zverev, to victory at the United Cup in Australia.
In addition to his work with Kerber, Beltz has extensive experience coaching other top players, including Croatian star Donna Vekic, British sensation Emma Raducanu, and Estonian talent Anett Kontaveit.
Veronika Rücker, DTB board member, praised Beltz’s remarkable achievements on the WTA Tour, saying: “Torben Beltz has consistently achieved exceptional results, and he was our first choice for this crucial role. His knowledge and “Our extensive experience will be invaluable in nurturing and guiding the emerging talents of German tennis.”
