Since 2003 he has topped the world rankings four times, at the European Championships he won seven titles in singles and five in doubles, at the World Championships he came third in singles and was runner-up in doubles: Timo Boll is the most successful German table tennis player of all time so far - and a star in China, the country of the table tennis world champions. The 40-year-old is not only popular for his fair play in sport, but also for his great social commitment to people in need. He has been under contract with the top German League team Borussia Düsseldorf since 2006.

Feels connected to Düsseldorf not only in a sporting sense: Table tennis ace Timo Boll.

How connected do you feel to Düsseldorf?
Of course, this has primarily a sporting background. Borussia and the DTTZ are my sporting home, I have experienced great sporting highlights of my career in Düsseldorf. But Düsseldorf is also very pleasant to live in, not as hectic as other big cities.

Düsseldorf in three words
modern, chic, urban

Düsseldorf is a sports city because...
the city takes great care of its clubs and here - in contrast to other big cities - it's not primarily about professional football. We at Borussia experience the highest level of recognition and not the life typical for a niche sport on the fringes of the sporting world.

Düsseldorf is my second home because...
I feel very comfortable here and have many friends in the city.

What can you find only here?
I am a self-confessed “coffee nerd”. That's why I judge cities by the quality of the cafés they have to offer. And I have to say that the selection in Düsseldorf is very impressive.

This is where I get my inspiration
A good espresso and a nice piece of cake at Dritan Alsela always gives me a break from my daily training routine.

This is where I get in a good mood
I am an athlete through and through. That's why my spirits rise as soon as I enter our training hall. There's a lot of trash talk with my younger colleagues. And the fact is: I simply love my sport!

Here I meet interesting people
At the market on Carlsplatz. This is where I like to stroll and shop. Every now and then I am recognised and nice conversations ensue. •

Words: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: Schemmann Photography

WHY DÜSSELDORF? Timo Boll