Mercedes Cup Tennis: Complete Guide to the Stuttgart ATP Tournament

The Mercedes Cup tennis tournament — now officially known as the BOSS Open — is one of Europe’s most celebrated clay court events and a key stop on the ATP Tour calendar in the weeks leading up to Wimbledon. Held at the Tennisclub Weissenhof in Stuttgart, Germany, the tournament has a history stretching back to 1898 and has been graced by some of the greatest players in the sport. Whether you’re planning to attend, following the draws, or simply want to understand one of Germany’s most important tennis weeks, this complete guide covers everything.

What Is the Mercedes Cup?

The Mercedes Cup was the long-standing title sponsor name for the ATP 250 clay court tournament staged at Weissenhof in Stuttgart. The event became synonymous with high-quality clay court tennis in the German summer, attracting top-50 players eager to tune up their game before the grass court season begins at Wimbledon.

In 2019, luxury fashion brand BOSS (Hugo Boss) became the title sponsor, rebranding the event as the BOSS Open. Despite the name change, the tournament retains its identity, format, and prestige — and many tennis fans still search for it as the Mercedes Cup. The event typically takes place in June, making it one of the rare clay-to-grass transition-week tournaments on the ATP calendar.

Tournament Fast Facts

• Official name: BOSS Open (formerly Mercedes Cup)
• Location: Tennisclub Weissenhof, Stuttgart, Germany
• Surface: Clay (red clay, outdoor)
• Category: ATP 250
• Founded: 1898 (one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world)
• Prize money: Approximately €800,000+
• Usual dates: June (week before or after the ATP 500 in Halle)
• Draws: 28 singles, 16 doubles

History of the Mercedes Cup Stuttgart

Few tournaments can claim a history as rich as Stuttgart’s. The Tennisclub Weissenhof has been the home of competitive tennis since the late 19th century, making it one of the oldest club venues still hosting elite professional tennis. The tournament grew through the amateur era into the Open Era, gaining prestige as the German tennis public’s appetite for the sport expanded.

The Mercedes-Benz title sponsorship, which ran for decades, gave the event international brand recognition. The Stuttgart event became a regular destination for top players — including multiple Grand Slam champions — who valued the quality of the clay, the organisation of the tournament, and its ideal position in the calendar as a final clay warm-up before switching to grass.

Famous Mercedes Cup Champions

The roll of honour at the Mercedes Cup / BOSS Open reads like a who’s who of clay court tennis. Past champions include:

• Rafael Nadal — multiple-time winner; his dominance on red clay extended to Stuttgart
• Roger Federer — won the event and used it as a clay-to-grass transition vehicle
• Andy Murray — Stuttgart champion; one of several titles he won in Germany
• Matteo Berrettini — won the BOSS Open in dominant fashion as part of his grass season run
• Casper Ruud — clay specialist who has thrived at Weissenhof
• Felix Auger-Aliassime — Stuttgart winner during his breakthrough period on tour

The champion list reflects the tournament’s dual identity — it attracts true clay court specialists but has also been won by players who use Stuttgart clay as a launchpad for their Wimbledon grass campaign.

The Weissenhof Club and Stuttgart as a Tennis Destination

The Tennisclub Weissenhof is one of Germany’s most storied tennis clubs, situated on a hill above Stuttgart with views over the city. The main court — Centre Court — has an intimate atmosphere that puts fans exceptionally close to the action, making it one of the most enjoyable ATP events to attend in person.

Stuttgart itself is a compact, affluent city in Baden-Württemberg — home to Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BOSS. The city is easy to navigate, well-connected by rail, and offers excellent restaurants and hotels for visiting tennis fans. Tournament week typically sees the city come alive with tennis activity, corporate hospitality, and evening events.

How to Get Tickets for the BOSS Open (Mercedes Cup)

Tickets for the BOSS Open are available through the official tournament website and authorised ticket partners. Key tips for attending:

• Book early — Centre Court sessions with top seeds sell out quickly, especially finals weekend
• Ground passes — general admission tickets give access to all outside courts and a great atmosphere even without Centre Court seats
• Hospitality packages — premium packages are available for corporate guests and those wanting a full VIP experience
• Travel — Stuttgart Airport (STR) has direct connections from most major European hubs; the city centre and Weissenhof are easily reached by public transport
• Accommodation — book early during tournament week; hotels fill quickly, particularly for the semi-final and final weekend

What to Expect at the Mercedes Cup / BOSS Open

Attending the BOSS Open is a memorable experience for any tennis fan. The format is typical of an ATP 250 event — matches run from morning to evening across multiple courts, with Centre Court reserved for marquee matches. Outside courts offer a relaxed, close-up experience with players who will be household names within a few years.

The Stuttgart crowd is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the German tennis tradition means you’ll find fans who appreciate tactical play rather than just power. The clay surface rewards patience, footwork and consistency — qualities that make for compelling viewing.

Clay Court Tennis: What Makes It Different

The Mercedes Cup / BOSS Open is played on red clay — the surface that rewards consistency, topspin and tactical intelligence more than any other. Clay slows the ball significantly compared to hard courts or grass, which means points are longer, rallies are more physical, and baseline patterns matter enormously. This is why clay court specialists like Nadal have dominated the surface for decades, and why watching elite clay court tennis at a tournament like Stuttgart is a masterclass in patience and construction.

For club players inspired by the Stuttgart clay, the key lessons are footwork, topspin consistency, and the ability to construct points rather than going for winners too early. These are exactly the skills Nathan and Giselle Martin’s programs focus on.

Essential Gear for Clay Court Tennis

• 🎾 Clay court shoes for men — herringbone outsole essential for grip and sliding on clay
• 🎾 Clay court shoes for women — clay-specific construction for female players
• 🎾 Babolat tennis rackets — power and control; the brand of Nadal, the king of clay
• 🎾 Head tennis rackets — Djokovic’s brand; excellent for clay court patterns
• 🎾 Wilson tennis rackets — trusted by Federer; versatile across all surfaces
• 🎾 Tennis balls — pressurised balls for clay court practice
• 🎾 Tennis overgrip — fresh overgrip for every match on clay

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mercedes Cup still happening?

Yes — the tournament continues under its new name, the BOSS Open, held annually in June at the Tennisclub Weissenhof in Stuttgart. The Mercedes Cup name is still widely used by fans and search engines due to its long sponsorship history.

What surface is the Mercedes Cup played on?

Red clay (outdoor). Stuttgart is one of the few clay court events on the ATP calendar held so close to the grass court season, making it a unique transitional tournament for players fine-tuning their game before Wimbledon.

Who has won the Mercedes Cup most times?

Rafael Nadal is among the most successful players in the tournament’s history, as is consistent with his dominance on clay globally. Other multiple winners include Tommy Haas, who was beloved in Stuttgart as a German crowd favourite.

How do I get to the Tennisclub Weissenhof in Stuttgart?

The club is situated on a hill above Stuttgart city centre. It is accessible by public transport from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main station) or by car. During tournament week, shuttle services and signposted routes are typically provided. Stuttgart Airport (STR) connects directly from most European hubs.

What ATP ranking points are available at the Mercedes Cup / BOSS Open?

As an ATP 250 event, the Stuttgart tournament offers 250 ranking points to the singles champion, 150 to the finalist, and points on a sliding scale down to first-round losers. These points are particularly valuable for players targeting the year-end ATP Finals.

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Information accurate as of October 2026. Tournament details subject to change — always check the official BOSS Open website for current draws, tickets and scheduling. Affiliate links help support Tennis Mindset at no extra cost to you.