Transfer
Benedikt Duda extends contract – Bergneustadt retains its star player!
Bergneustadt makes it official: Benedikt Duda remains loyal to TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt and has extended his contract for another two years. The Bergneustadt native, who started playing table tennis at the club in 2004 and has since completed his entire training there, will thus remain the face of the club in his 12th and 13th Bundesliga seasons. This “home-grown model” is unique in today's TTBL – hardly any other club can boast a world-class player who has come all the way from youth training to the top of the world in the same club.
A comeback that changed everything
In 2024, Duda had to take a break for several weeks after suffering cartilage damage in his right knee. It was only after rehabilitation and an intensive training phase that he returned to competition – physically restored and mentally stronger than ever.
In an interview, he explained that meditation, mental work, and the hard struggle to regain his level were crucial in helping him emerge stronger from his injury break. He achieved his turning point in 2024, among other things, in the spectacular European Championship match against Felix Lebrun.
2025 – the year of his greatest sporting rise
2025 was Duda's strongest career year to date. Thanks to outstanding performances at international WTT tournaments, including reaching the final and semifinals, he catapulted himself into the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time (best ranking WRL 8) – and is currently ranked 12th in the world.
This makes him the second-best German table tennis player and firmly establishes him among the world's elite. Duda is also one of the most successful and consistent players in the TTBL – an absolute top performer for Bergneustadt who is making his mark both nationally and internationally.
A strong statement for the club, fans, and region
With his contract extension, Duda is sending a clear message: he wants to continue his journey in Bergneustadt—where it all began and where he has become a club icon, figurehead, and role model. A player of his caliber who is also a true product of the club remains an absolute rarity in the TTBL. He is not only a world-class player—he is a player with heart, commitment, and character.
TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt can therefore look forward to having one of the best, most consistent, and most popular German table tennis players for the next two years.
At the same time, the club is sending a strong signal to the entire league with this personnel decision: its home-grown talent is staying – and wants to continue playing for his home club.
Source: TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt (featured image above: Sven Kubeile)
