USTA Apologizes For Nazi Error During German National Anthem

Written by: Alex Green

In what can only be described as an indefensible and appalling error, the USTA today played a long obsolete Nazi song before a Fed Cup match in Hawaii.

While the U.S. was set to take on the German team in what was sure to be a compelling test of physical stamina and strategy, the contest was overshadowed by a male soloist singing. “Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles, uber alles in der Welt.”

The verse eerily translates to: “Germany, Germany, above all, above all in the world.”

The line is taken from “Deutschlandlied,” but the offending verse has become inextricably linked with the reign of Hitler’s Third Reich. The song was written back in 1841, but because it was co-opted by the Nazi party it’s been thoroughly–with the exception of the third verse–ignored in the modern era due to its historical association.

While the USTA has apologized, the error still rattled the German team.

Andrea Petkovic wrote on the German federation’s website: “It was the worst experience that has ever happened to me – horrifying and shocking.”

She went on to add in another interview: “This is the year 2017 – that something like this happens in America, it can’t happen. It’s embarrassing and speaks of ignorance.”

The USTA said in a statement: “We extend our sincerest apologies to the German Fed Cup team and all of its fans for the performance of an outdated National Anthem prior to today’s Fed Cup competition. In no way did we mean any disrespect. This mistake will not occur again, and the correct anthem will be performed for the remainder of this first-round tie.”

Clearly rattled, Petkovic lost to Alison Riske, while rain delayed the Julia Görges and Coco Vandeweghe match.