In Makarska, the WTA Makarska Open hosted by Valamar officially started with the draw, the pairs of the first round were drawn, the support was given by the prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County Blaženko Boban and the mayor of Makarska Zoran Paunović.
After many years the WTA tournament was held in Bol on Brač, for the last two years the tournament has found its place under the sun in Makarska. One of the two WTA tournaments in this part of Europe once again attracted the tennis elite, and Croatia will have at least four representatives in the main draw, namely: Petra Marčinko, Ana Konjuh, Antonia Ružić and Tena Lukas.
Tena Lukas will play against Swede Rebecca Petersson, Petra Marčinko against French Diana Parry, Antonia Ružić against Italian Jasmine Paolini, and Ana Konjuh will play against Czech Sara Bejlek.
One of the biggest stars of the tournament, Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenović, will play against Ukrainian Kateryna Baindl at the start.
Blaženko Boban, prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County, gave his support for the tournament at the draw.
"The Split-Dalmatia County strongly supports sports events, including the WTA Makarska Open, a tournament that sends a positive image from the heart of Dalmatia to the world. Top sports events like this strongly promote the destination, influence the growth of tourism results and brand Dalmatia as an attractive sports destination. I wish the organizers another successful tournament and I am sure that the great atmosphere for which the WTA Makarska Open is known will not be spoiled even by the announcement of rainy weather", said the prefect.
The mayor of Makarska, Zoran Paunović, pointed out that the city under Biokovo mountain has a long-standing sports tradition and already last year presented itself as an excellent host and partner to the WTA tournament.
"This year, we have also prepared a top-notch program intended for all ages as part of the WTA City events, so all visitors to Makarska, from June 5 to 11, can expect great entertainment in addition to a top-notch sports spectacle. The WTA Makarska Open is a globally recognizable event and represents a significant step towards strengthening the image of Makarska, not only as a desirable tourist destination, but also as a sports destination," said the mayor and invited all sports and entertainment fans to be part of the WTA story.
The director of the tournament, Feliks Lukas, pointed out that this will be a great tournament, and he did not hide his satisfaction with the fact that this year in Makarska, there will be a lot of Croatian representatives in the main draw. "My great wish is that we have a Croatian in the final, so let the better one win," said Lukas.
Makarska, June 5, 2023.
Foto Kevin Clément
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