What Is 2000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was a women's indoor hardcourt tennis tournament held in Stuttgart, Germany, from March 27 to April 2, 2000. It was part of the WTA Tier II series, featuring a 28-player singles draw, with Martina Hingis winning the title by defeating Elena Dementieva in the final.

Key Facts

Held from March 27 to April 2, 2000, in Stuttgart, Germany
Part of the WTA Tier II circuit with a prize money pool of $565,000
Martina Hingis won the singles title, defeating Elena Dementieva 6–4, 6–4
Tournament featured a 28-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw
Played on indoor hard courts at the Porsche Arena (then known as Schleyer-Halle)

Overview

The 2000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was a prominent women’s professional tennis tournament on the WTA Tour, held annually in Stuttgart, Germany. It took place from March 27 to April 2, 2000, and was classified as a Tier II event, attracting top international players.

This edition marked the 23rd iteration of the tournament, which has long served as a key early-spring indoor warm-up ahead of the European clay-court season. Played on indoor hard courts, it offered ranking points and a total prize purse of $565,000, drawing a competitive field of 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams.

Location: The tournament was hosted at the Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, a venue known for its high-quality indoor tennis facilities and strong fan attendance.
Surface: Matches were played on indoor hard courts, a surface that favors aggressive baseliners and fast transitions, influencing player preparation for upcoming seasons.
Winner:Martina Hingis claimed the singles title by defeating Russian teenager Elena Dementieva in straight sets, 6–4, 6–4, in the final match.
Seeding: Hingis entered the tournament as the top seed, reflecting her world No. 2 ranking at the time and recent dominance in women’s tennis.
Historical Context: This event was part of a long-standing tradition; the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix began in 1978 and has since become one of the most prestigious indoor events on the WTA calendar.

How It Works

The tournament followed a standard WTA Tier II format, combining a 28-player singles draw with a 16-team doubles draw, both conducted in a single-elimination structure.

Format:Single-elimination brackets were used, meaning one loss eliminated a player, with best-of-three sets determining match outcomes.
Qualification: Eight players entered through qualifying rounds held before the main draw, competing for four available spots in the singles bracket.
Seeding: The top eight players were seeded to prevent early matchups between top contenders, based on WTA rankings at the time.
Scoring: Matches used standard tennis scoring, with a 12-point tiebreak at 6–6 in any set except the final set, which required a two-game margin.
Prize Money: The winner received $89,000 and 290 ranking points, while doubles champions split $26,200 from the total $565,000 purse.
Player Entry: Entry was determined by rankings, wild cards, and qualifiers, with seven players receiving wild cards, including German national hopefuls.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2000 edition with other Tier II events of the era highlights its competitive significance and structure.

Feature	2000 Porsche GP	2000 Dubai Open	2000 Linz Open
Location	Stuttgart, Germany	Dubai, UAE	Linz, Austria
Surface	Indoor Hard	Outdoor Hard	Indoor Hard
Prize Money	$565,000	$300,000	$565,000
Singles Draw Size	28 players	28 players	32 players
Champion	Martina Hingis	Amélie Mauresmo	Mary Pierce

The 2000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix stood out due to its equal prize money with Linz and superior purse compared to Dubai. Its indoor hardcourt setup provided a unique playing condition that helped players transition from North American hardcourt events to clay, making it a strategic stop on the tour. The relatively smaller draw size of 28, compared to Linz’s 32, increased the stakes from the opening round.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix played a crucial role in shaping the early-season momentum for top players and contributed to the global growth of women’s tennis.

Player Development: Young talents like Elena Dementieva gained valuable experience by reaching the final, signaling the rise of a new generation.
German Tennis: The event boosted visibility for German women’s tennis, with local favorites receiving wild cards and strong media coverage.
WTA Structure: As a Tier II event, it offered significant ranking points, helping players solidify positions ahead of Grand Slam tournaments.
Commercial Success: Porsche’s sponsorship set a benchmark for corporate involvement in women’s sports, with long-term branding benefits.
Historical Legacy: The 2000 edition contributed to Stuttgart’s reputation as a premier tennis destination, later upgraded to WTA 500 status.
Surface Transition: The indoor hard courts provided a critical bridge between the Australian Open and the clay season in Europe.

Overall, the 2000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was more than just a tournament—it was a pivotal moment in the WTA calendar, combining elite competition, strategic timing, and growing global interest in women’s professional tennis.