Noskova wins Berlin Tennis Open after storm floods venue and forces evacuation

Storm floods Steffi-Graf-Stadion

Around 11 a.m. on Sunday, a severe thunderstorm with heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds hit the Steffi-Graf-Stadion in Berlin's Grunewald district, where the final day of the WTA 500 Berlin Tennis Open was set to begin. The venue, which lacks lightning protection and covered shelter for spectators, was quickly flooded, with water ankle-deep in some areas. Organizers said they had been prepared for forecasted storms but were caught off guard by the intensity.

“We were surprised by the intensity of the storm.”

Evacuation to tunnel and station

With the singles final between Jessica Pegula and Linda Noskova scheduled for noon, officials implemented an emergency plan coordinated with authorities. Spectators were evacuated to the nearby Auerbachtunnel and the Grunewald S-Bahn station. Journalists were instructed to remain in the media center, where they were warned of risks including electric shocks and tripping hazards from the flooding. The venue's electrical systems sustained damage, and water had to be pumped out before play could resume.

Spectator frustration and organizer apology

Some attendees criticized the evacuation, saying families with young children were forced out into the storm and then left without guidance. One Instagram user wrote that security personnel behaved inappropriately. The tournament organizers later posted an apology, stating that safety was the top priority and that the storm's speed required immediate additional measures. They acknowledged that individual security staff may have acted improperly and offered a sincere apology.

“Should individual members of the security staff have behaved inappropriately during the evacuation, we would like to sincerely apologize.”

Final played after hours-long delay

The venue was reopened around 4 p.m., and the singles final began at approximately 4:30 p.m. Linda Noskova, ranked 13th in the world, defeated world No. 4 Jessica Pegula 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in two hours. It was the second career title for the 21-year-old Czech, following her 2024 win in Monterrey. The doubles final, originally scheduled after the singles, was also affected but no details were given.

Tournament looks to future despite disruptions

Tournament director Markus Zoecke said the event, which drew nearly 40,000 spectators over nine days, is not yet at its limit and plans to grow. Earlier in the week, a second entrance was closed due to oak processionary moth caterpillars, and a fire alarm at the players' hotel caused a brief disruption. Despite the weather chaos, organizers expressed satisfaction with the week and noted improved relations with the Berlin Senate.