The Makarska tournament from the WTA 125 series left behind the world's biggest cities and famous destinations. Victory narrowly escaped him.
The WTA Makarska Open has achieved historic success. According to the official selection of tennis players, organized by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the famous tournament in Makarska was declared the second best tennis tournament in the world from the WTA 125 series, leaving behind more than 50 tournaments. In a close finish, it led the fight with the Nordea Open from Båstad and the Swedes won by a narrow margin.
Tournament Director Feliks Lukas, emphasized that this recognition is especially valuable because it comes directly from the players.
“Such a confirmation has an invaluable value for us. It is the result of many years of work, passion and dedication of the entire team. I sincerely thank the City of Makarska and Valamar, but also all partners and associates who believed in this story from the very beginning. Without this support, this success would not have been possible,” said Lukas.
Makarska ahead of the world's most famous destinations
With this exceptional recognition, Makarska confirmed that top-notch organization, vision, long-term work and enthusiasm can beat the world's largest cities and famous tourist destinations. Among the tournaments that Makarska surpassed are those from cities such as Canberra, Mumbai, Cancún, Paris, Rome, Palermo, Warsaw, Valencia, Mallorca, Porto, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Austin and many others.
The tournament in Makarska, which was moved from Bol five years ago, offers a unique combination of top-notch sport and experience. It is played right by the sea, in a beautiful Dalmatian setting, with a great entertainment program and in one of the most beautiful sports centers in the world.
A unique place on the world tennis map
In addition to the sporting results, this recognition is additionally gaining importance because the same team is behind another major WTA project this year – the first tournament in Dubrovnik, which opens the world "clay" WTA season from March 23 to 29, while it traditionally closes at the tournament in Makarska, which takes place from June 1 to 7. This gives Croatia, thanks to the knowledge and experience of the home team, a unique place on the world tennis map.
"This is a great and valuable recognition for Makarska, but above all for the entire tournament organizing team. The fact that the tennis players themselves, in competition with more than 50 tournaments from five continents, ranked Makarska second in the world speaks volumes about the level of organization, conditions and atmosphere that the city, together with its partners, creates. I would like to thank the tournament director Felix Lukas for his vision and perseverance, as well as our partner Valamar and everyone who has been building this project for years. These results confirm that Makarska has the capacity for top-notch sports events even outside the main tourist season, and that it is increasingly positioning itself as a city of sports and openness to the world," said Makarska Mayor Zoran Paunović.
Today, the WTA Makarska Open is an example of how a vision, a local community and a small but extremely dedicated team can turn into a globally recognized sports project. This recognition represents not only the success of the tournament, but also a strong promotion of Makarska and Croatia as a top sports and tourist destination with events at the highest world level.
The official announcement on social networks and the WTA website was seen by millions of people around the world.
The award came in a year that celebrates 20 years of organizing WTA tournaments in Croatia. A beautiful gift to Felix Lukas and his team.
