The YONEX German Open 2025 has kicked off today, marking the beginning of the European leg of the World Tour.
From today until Sunday, 2 March, top athletes will be meeting at the Westenergie Sports Hall in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. Celebrating its 66th edition, the tournament has a big European presence in the draws. The draw features big international names looking to make a strong start in this busy month.
Viktor Axelsen, returning to the tour after a break since mid-January’s India Open, is the top seed. Having spent time off the tour for training and skipping some events including the 2025 European Mixed Team Championships, Axelsen aims to improve on his previous best at this event, a bronze in 2022. He begins against Japan’s Riku Hatano, with a possible second-round match against 2023 World Junior champion Alwi Farhan.
Christo Popov and Mia Blichfeldt, who both clinched titles at last year’s edition, return with good memories in Mülheim and high hopes. They also come fresh off victories at the HYLO Open 2024, making them reigning champions of both BWF World Tour tournaments held in Germany. Both will be aiming to continue their dominance and complete a trifecta of German titles.
The tournament will unfortunately miss two of Europe’s strongest candidates, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, the latter still recovering from an injury. Despite this absence, the event boasts a powerful European presence.
For a full overview of the matches, the order of play, and draws,
click here.
Qualifications
European players made strong impressions in the qualification stage.
Tereza Švábíková advanced after Vivien Sandorházi retired from their match.
Joran Kweekel secured his spot in the main draw with a hard-fought three-game win over Jan Louda, followed by an impressive victory against Japan’s top-seeded qualifier Ogawa.
Deborah Jille/Sara Thygesen qualified after defeating India’s second-seeded pair Sunil/Viswanath. European junior champion Kaloyana Nalbantova also booked her place in the main tournament in both singles and women’s doubles with her partner Mariya Mitsova.
Tournament schedule
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Tuesday, 25 February: Qualifications and 1st round of MD/WD from 9 AM
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Wednesday, 26 February: 1st round of MS/WS/XD from 10 AM
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Thursday, 27 February: Round of 16 from 1 PM
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Friday, 28 February: Quarterfinals from 3 PM
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Saturday, 1 March: Semifinals from 12 PM
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Sunday, 2 March: Finals from 12 PM
All times indicated are in CET.