Široki Brijeg is the host of the international tennis tournament for juniors (ITF), which brought more than 120 competitors from 20 countries of the world to the Đulić Sports Center. Along with escorts and trainers, over 200 foreign guests are currently staying in the city, and the accommodation facilities are fully occupied.
The importance of this sporting event is best illustrated by the list of participating countries: from of Canada and Great Britain, through Italy, Germany and Romania, and all the way to far away of Japan, ChinaKazakhstan and Taiwan. Along with the international elite, there are also several representatives from BiH:
- Petar Biletić (Kiseljak),
- Eda-Lara Šaćirović (Sarajevo) and
- Josipa Misir (Shiroki Brijeg).
The city is filled to capacity
The logistical challenge of organizing such an event coincided with great interest in concerts Brand Perkovic Thompsonwhich resulted in the complete filling of accommodation capacities. Ante Soldoone of the coaches at the tournament, points out for the portal Jabuka.tv How to request a higher bed:
There is no accommodation, everything is full here, everything is full at the Park Hotel, private accommodation is full, both because of the Thompson concert and because of the tournament. In addition to Široki Brijeg, tennis players are also looking for accommodation in Breasts and Mostar. Given that the two tournaments are back to back, a lot of players stay at both, so they need to accommodation for 15 days.
Ivan Maraković and trainer Ante Soldo
Soldo, whose roots are from Britvica and Black ones Slow cookerhe brought a young man to the tournament Ivan Marakovićand emphasizes that the organization is at an enviable level. Everything, accommodation, organization, food, Marco Chuljak has brought the tournament to a really high level, even the organization is much better than many tournaments in CroatiaSoldo points out.
The road to the top: from Široki Brijeg to the top of the ATP rankings
The history of the tournament in Široki Brijeg shows that this is not just a local station, but a training ground for future champions. Organizer Marko Čuljak reminds us of the names that walked these fields, Yannick Sinner was here in 2016 at the tournament, then Luca Backgammon who beat Djokovic, well Prismicrecalls Čuljak.
The first holder of the tournament, a 17-year-old Slovenian More Bread makercomes to Herzegovina with clear ambitions after success in Tunisia and Austria:
I started playing tennis when I was seven years old, and this is not my first time here. I’ve been there before when it was a grass surface. I like the hard surface better, it’s fast and suits my game. All in all, I am very satisfied with the conditionsthe food is excellent. Last November I won a J30 in Tunisia, however this is a J60, still a slightly stronger tournament. I think I’m the favorite, I’m playing very well and I think I can win, said Pecovnik for the portal Apple.tv.
First seed Jost Pecovnik (17) with his coach
The presence of coaches like Vojislav Dobrković from Serbia, who brought the first two holders in the women’s category: a Chinese woman Fangyu Shang and Eva Kaliadin.
Croatia does not have a hall like Široki Brijeg
The arrival of the Croatian junior national team gives special weight to the tournament. Marco Vizhintinassistant coach, did not hide his enthusiasm for the conditions offered by the Đulić Sports Center, drawing a parallel with the infrastructure in Croatia.
Sports Center Đulić
I must say that we in Croatia we don’t have like this hall. We have a hall in Maksimir that was recently renovated, but we don’t have what you have. Yes you have such a complexrestaurant, gym, accommodation, four indoor courts… Unfortunately, this is not available in Croatia. There is Ogulin, but with two courts.
We were world champions in tennis twice, we have Olympic gold in doubles, silver Donna Vekić, and we don’t have a gym like yours in Široki Brijeg.
Vižintin confirmed that this tournament will become a permanent stop for Croatian tennis players under his auspices Croatian of tennis alliance (HTS). The selector agrees with him Juraj Stuburić:
It’s always nice to come to Herzegovina, the conditions are excellent, the host’s reception is excellent. We have good results because it is always easier to get results when it is pleasant atmosphere and household.
We would be happy if we had one such hall in Zagreb; certainly a big plus for Bosnia and Herzegovina to have such conditions for development of young playerszadded the selector Stuburić for the portal Apple.tv.
World class in the judge’s chair
That the Široki Brijeg Open has the attributes of a top world event is also confirmed by the name of the chief judge. It is about a Banja Luka resident They look up Đurđevićto the judge with the prestigious “Silver Badge” license, which has behind it the experience of dispensing justice on the most important world stages:
- Wimbledon and US Open
- ATP Finals in Turin
- Davis Cup matches
- Numerous ATP tournaments from the 500 and 1000 series
His presence guarantees the highest level of regularity and professionalism, which is a rarity for tournaments of this rank.
Široki Brijeg Open
By holding such competitions, Široki Brijeg proves itself as a serious host in the world professional of tennis. Support from sponsors like Ice it is crucial in maintaining the standard that puts the city alongside larger sports centers in European metropolises.
The tournament continues during the weekand admission is free for all tennis fans.
(www.jabuka.tv)
