The 51st Istrian Riviera Tennis Tournament Has Opened in Poreč

The 51st edition of the Istrian Riviera (Istarska Rivijera) tennis tournament was opened on March 8, 2023. The new edition of the tournament was officially opened with a gathering at the Pical Tennis Center in Poreč. The Mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, the Director of the Tourist Board of the City of Poreč, Nenad Velenik, and the Director of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Tar-Vabriga, Sanja Žužić, attended the opening ceremony as sponsors of the tournament.

Over 150 players from 34 countries around the world are participating in this year’s Istrian Riviera, including seven Croatian players who will compete in the main tournament. The Istrian Riviera is the oldest international tennis tournament in Croatia, with a prize fund of $15,000, and the winner receives 15 ATP points. This tournament provides young players with greater visibility and a chance to participate in some of the larger tournaments. Dino Prižmić, this year’s top seed, won his first ATP points at the Istrian Riviera two years ago in doubles play and last year in singles competition. After that, he won an incredible four tournaments in the same series as the Istrian Riviera.

Tournament Director Branimir Horvat stated that this year they are entering the next 50 years with the 51st edition of the Istrian Riviera. He expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation of the City of Poreč, the Tourist Board of the City of Poreč, the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Tar-Vabriga, Valamar Riviera, and TK Top Spin, who together create excellent conditions for their guests and tennis players who play their first matches outdoors in early spring.

Mayor Peršurić expressed his pride in the fact that Poreč is known as a tourist and sports city with good sports infrastructure and is pleased to be the host of various international events in numerous sports that enliven the winter months. He also mentioned that the Istrian Riviera, with its long tradition in Poreč and the fact that it returns year after year, is proof of their hospitality.

Many successful tennis players have won their first ATP points at the Istrian Riviera, including Goran Ivanišević, one of the most famous names in this sport in Croatia. The famous Serbian tennis player Slobodan Boba Živojinović won the tournament title seven times. Ivan Ljubičić, Thomas Muster, Petr Korda, and many others also made their first professional steps here.

The matches are open to the public, and the grand final will be held on Sunday, March 12, at 11 am.