Nicolas Kiefer trains at Huder TV

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Hude – On Wednesday, some tennis players from Huder TV received valuable tips from a former professional. Nicolas Kiefer was a guest at the facility on Vielstedter Kirchweg, gave training sessions and also played doubles himself. The Hanoverian, who made it to fourth place in the world rankings in 2000 and won the silver medal in doubles with Rainer Schüttler at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, was very approachable and personable. “He was well received by everyone, it was an all-round success,” said a delighted Yannick Burkert, press officer for HTV.

But Kiefer also seemed to enjoy Hude: “Great tennis is not only played at the US Open in New York, but also at the gates of Oldenburg,” said the 47-year-old with a smile, praising the “fantastically located facility.” Kiefer completed the first training sessions, each lasting just under 30 minutes, with the women, men and women 60 of the HTV. He then granted the first autograph and photo requests before going back to the net. This time he was accompanied onto the court by the two youngsters Lucas Schmid and Ben Mail as well as the men’s 50 player Dirk Kluba. The trio had been drawn as part of a fundraising campaign for a new ball wall for the club and were now allowed to play in doubles matches with or against Kiefer. “There were some great rallies,” said Burkert.