Makarska Gears Up for Unprecedented WTA Tournament with Star-Studded Celebration

Makarska is gearing up for a spectacular celebration of women's tennis, marking the 20th anniversary of the WTA Makarska Open hosted by Valamar. This year's event promises to be extraordinary, not only for its high-caliber tennis but also for its festive atmosphere, including a concert featuring Croatian pop icon Severina and Mateo Đikić, dubbed the "Croatian Frank Sinatra."

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This tournament means a lot for the development of our careers and represents an excellent opportunity for progress. We know the conditions and the competition, which gives us additional confidence. I invite the audience to come in large numbers and support us; I believe that with such energy, we can achieve great results.

Večernji List highlights the significance of this milestone, emphasizing the tournament's continuous growth and quality in women's tennis in Croatia. The event's prestige is further cemented by its recent recognition as the second-best organized tournament worldwide, according to player votes, outshining major international venues. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organizers, led by director Feliks Lukas, who have consistently elevated the tournament's standing on the global tennis map.

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Never say never.

The tournament will feature top talent, including Australian Maya Joint, Hungary's Anna Bondar, and former Croatian player Oleksandra Oliynykova. Notably, Croatian tennis stars Ana Konjuh and Lucija Ćirić Bagarić have been awarded wildcards, expressing their gratitude and excitement for competing on home soil. Their participation, alongside other Croatian hopefuls like Tena Lukas, Tara Würth, and Lea Bošković, underscores the event's importance for the development of local talent and its role in inspiring the next generation of Croatian athletes. The blend of elite sport and cultural celebration makes this anniversary tournament a landmark event for Makarska and Croatian tennis.

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I thank everyone for the great support, as well as Feliks, who continuously gives us extra wind in our sails and believes that we can achieve our goal and bring the title home. This tournament always brings a new opportunity, and I believe that this year things can fall into place for us.