Every May, as tennis returns to life across clubs in Germany, the first interclub match weekend brings more than just competition – it brings tradition, passion, and purpose to thousands of players.
Serving Aces Against Cancer is focused on more than just the next point – it’s helping drive a growing movement for cancer awareness through sport. (Photo: © chuc.de)
Among them is a team unlike any other – one of Germany’s strongest men’s 60 squads, made up of former tour professionals, Davis Cup players, and world champions. Representing the Ober-Moerler Tennis Club, a small-town club just north of Frankfurt, they are united not just by their level of play, but by something far more personal. When cancer touched their team, they chose to act. What followed was the launch of Serving Aces Against Cancer (Aufschlag gegen Krebs) – a campaign to raise awareness, spark donations for the Deutsche Krebshilfe, Germany’s leading nonprofit in the fight against cancer, and show what tennis can do when it plays with heart.
With quiet strategic support from ITMS Sports, the campaign quickly found its rhythm. The team took to the court with a renewed sense of purpose – ending just shy of a national title, but leagues ahead in what truly mattered. The real impact, though, unfolded beyond the baseline – on social media, at charity events, and on billboards. National media took notice. A fantasy camp brought amateur players face-to-face with champions. A charity auction turned signed gear into meaningful contributions.
The nomination for the 2025 German Brand Award in the category “CSR Initiative with Social Relevance” didn’t just validate the campaign – it elevated it. Suddenly, a grassroots project from a small club near Frankfurt was being recognized on one of the most prestigious branding stages in Germany.
But the team – and the agency behind it – didn’t stop to bask in the glow. Instead, they asked a bigger question: Can we take this nationwide? Can we show how a sport beloved by 1.5 million players across Germany can stand for something greater than itself?
The answer: Yes.
This September, during the German Team Championship weekend, Serving Aces Against Cancer will step into the national spotlight. A benefit gala. Live donation drives. Powerful visual storytelling. And a platform for change. It’s not just an event – it’s a launch.
Serving Aces Against Cancer is uniting the German tennis community—from former pros to passionate club players—in a powerful campaign that raises both awareness and funds in the fight against cancer
What’s next is bold, scalable, and deeply rooted in community. A nationwide charity tournament series is in development, inviting clubs across Germany to host their own Serving Aces Against Cancer events. Local action – fueled by entry fees, raffles, and grassroots support – will form the backbone of a national movement. A charity auction will engage the broader public. And a digital platform will amplify the voices of those affected – players, families, fans – making sure the stories behind the statistics are heard.
Yes, social media activations will bring younger generations into the fold – because change doesn’t just come from the top. It starts with all of us.
Serving Aces Against Cancer was never just about tennis. It’s about what tennis – and sport – can and should stand for. Other sports are making an impact. So can tennis. With new partners, fresh momentum, and a national rollout on the horizon, this is more than a campaign. It’s a movement with meaning.
For clubs, it’s a chance to rally together. For brands, it’s more than a sponsorship opportunity – it’s a chance to lead. To step into a meaningful partnership that resonates deeply with communities, aligns with purpose-driven marketing strategies, and demonstrates authentic social impact. Brands that join early won’t just support a campaign – they’ll shape it.
Because in this game, every serve can count. And the next one could be yours. Join the initiative. Make your serve matter. Serve an ace against cancer.
