Sportsman choice in Freising: tennis player Toni Stippler is Sportsman of the Year 2019

The FT readers have decided: tennis player Toni Stippler received the most votes in the election of Sportsman of the Year 2019.

Zolling - Toni Stippler is one of the most popular tennis players in the Freising district. This now confirmed his choice as athlete of the year 2019. The top man from SpVgg Zolling, who lives in Kirchdorf, proudly and modestly accepted the trophy.

Mr. Stippler, what is nicer? Become athlete of the year or win a medal at the World Cup?

One would not be possible without the other. Both are nice, and I'm pleased that so many people in the district followed it.

Does the choice confirm your status as a crowd favorite?

Modest champion: Toni Stippler (right) with FT reporter Nico Bauer

© Lehmann

There are other tennis players like Tobi Summerer or Dennis Bloemke. They had much more success than I did. I am pleased with my popularity and the recognition of my success.

The World Cup is the goal again

What are your plans for this year when tennis can be played again?

I have decided to play the World Cup again this year. But it's very difficult right now because I don't know how to prepare. All tournament plans have been thrown out of hand. I have to see what happens - and then I just make the best of it.

Is such a World Cup addictive? Do you want to go to the individual finals after bronze in doubles for men 35?

There are very good players there. I would have to invest more to keep up. I was in the round of 16 last year. The quarter or semi-finals would be a huge success for me. The atmosphere at the team World Cup before that really caught my eye. It would be great if I could play for the German national team there.

What makes it so special?

Playing for Germany is very different in emotion and level than playing a tennis tournament just for yourself. Because of my ranking as number ten among men 35 in Germany, the national team could become an issue.

"I have to put my performance on the pitch"

Do you want to add a few percent more to get higher in the ranking?

The ranking is not decisive. I have to put my performance on the pitch, and when former professionals want to play, it gets difficult.

You are also good with the Zollinger Herren 30 in the regional league. Do you think of the promotion to the Bundesliga?

With our resources and our team, which has been working together for eight years, that would be a great success. But you have to be realistic - because in the league, very hard boards must be drilled again this year. For example, ex-professional Marcos Baghdatis from Cyprus plays at TC Pfarrkirchen. It won't be enough to win - the game will be a great experience.

In two years "we want to make men 40 strong"

Is it about not losing 0: 6, 0: 6 and getting an autograph from the opponent in the end?

That's how it will go. Parish churches has only two beatable players.

When do men 30 rise to men 40?

This year Markus Staringer and Jan Macek can already play men's 40. Philipp Knieper and Jiri Spousta will join them next year. Then it takes two years before I turn 40. And then we want to make men 40 strong.

Is the next goal then, as master of the Regionalliga Herren 40, to play the final tournament for the German championship?

Yes, that would be nice.

Athlete election 2019: results athletes