In Memoriam: Klemenschits and Berger honored

While the world of professional tennis at times consists of lavish player parties, exotic locations, first-class flights, and big paydays, it is still a community that is affected by tragic events, bringing a reality check and some much needed perspective to the sport.
 

Nearly three weeks ago, 25-year-old Austrian doubles player Daniela Klemenschits lost a battle to cancer 15 months after being diagnosed with the disease. Fellow players such as Roger Federer, Marat Safin, Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo, and Martina Hingis rallied behind her, donating items to be auctioned in an effort to raise money for her treatment.

This weekend, Klemenschits was recognized again, during the Fed Cup Playoffs against Switzerland, held in her native Austria. Players of both teams wore a black ribbon during the weekend’s matches in her honor.

Austrian No. 1, Tamira Paszek, recalled that Klemenschits and her sister, Sandra, who was also diagnosed with the rare form of abdominal cancer, had won a doubles rubber for Austria in the past, and hoped that the team could win the playoff as a tribute to them (Austria lost to Switzerland 2-3).

And this week, former BMW Open tournament director, Rudi Berger, who also lost a battle with cancer last August, was also acknowledged during the opening draw ceremony of the Munich-based event on Saturday, where one speaker noted that “the sun is shining,” as she looked up at the sky, implying that Berger’s continued spiritual presence was still felt.

Berger, who died at age 55, had run the tournament, one of the favorite stops on the ATP Tour, since 2001.

The new tournament director and German Davis Cup captain, Patrik Kuhnen, along with the other tournament organizers, are holding the Rudi Berger Cup in his memory.