Marčinko faces Serbia’s Kostović, Konjuh meets Germany’s Korpatsch, Lukas takes on Pavlyuchenkova, Ćirić Bagarić plays a qualifier in her first match, while the tournament director hopes for a Croatian finalist.
Dubrovnik, March 22, 2025 – Everything is set for an exciting week of tennis in Dubrovnik. The main draw for the WTA Dubrovnik Open, taking place in the city for the first time through March 29, was held on the terrace of Hotel Sumratin.
Players quickly settled into the rhythm, enjoying the seaside atmosphere, while the numbered tokens laid out a story that is yet to unfold on the newly renovated courts in Lapad.
“An incredible amount of work has been done in Dubrovnik in recent months. This is the tournament’s first edition, the courts are excellent, the official hotel is top-class, and I’m sure the players will be delighted after the guided city tour,” said tournament director Feliks Lukas, introducing five top players participating in the draw.
Among them was, as Lukas noted, the “home” representative from Egypt, Mayar Sherif.
“I’ve been playing in Croatia since the first WTA tournament in Makarska, and I really wanted to come to Dubrovnik. Feliks chooses special locations. The sea, the city, the hotel, the courts—everything is wonderful. I’m so happy to be here; I feel at home,” Sherif said.
Dubrovnik Players Eager to Compete at Home
Local players can’t wait to play on home soil, confident that fans will be there to support them.
“It’s an honor to be part of this tournament. I played my first strokes on these courts, and now, so many years later, I’m playing the first WTA event in Dubrovnik,” said Dubrovnik native Ana Konjuh, clearly moved.
“We’re going to enjoy playing at such a beautiful tournament. Even though it’s the first edition, I believe this is just the beginning of a great story,” added fellow Dubrovnik player Lucija Ćirić Bagarić.
Other Croatian representatives in the draw included Petra Marčinko, who thanked the organizers for another tournament in Croatia.
“This means a lot to us. I’m sure everything will be excellent, even though I just arrived,” said Marčinko, while Tara Würth also felt the positive atmosphere.
“It’s my first time in Dubrovnik, and it’s truly beautiful. From the city to the organization, everything is top-notch. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week,” she said.
Dubrovnik Ready for a Tennis Spectacle
Among the Croatian players, Tena Lukas has the toughest first-round opponent, facing Olympic champion Anastasija Pavlyuchenkova. Ana Konjuh meets Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch, while Lucija Ćirić Bagarić plays a qualifier in her opening match.
The draw is complete, and the message is clear: Dubrovnik is ready for a tennis spectacle, and director Lukas hopes to see a Croatian player in the final.
“Maybe his wish will come true. He introduced Mayar Sherif as a home player—maybe she will win the tournament,” joked Konjuh.
First Round Draw
P. Marcinko (CRO) vs T. Kostovic (SRB); L. Radivojevic (SRB) vs A. Charaeva; Qualifier vs A. Lazaro Garcia (ESP); T. Lukas (CRO) vs A. Pavlyuchenkova; M. Sherif (EGY) vs A. Koevermans (NED); L. Ciric Bagaric (CRO) vs Qualifier; L. Romero Gormaz (ESP) vs L. Gjorcheska (MKD); Y. Kabbaj (MAR) vs S. Lamens (NED); A. Kalinina (UKR) vs L. Bronzetti (ITA); N. Brancaccio (ITA) vs L. Pigato (ITA); E. Pridankina vs Qualifier; A. Konjuh (CRO) vs T. Korpatsch (GER); M. Chwalinska (POL) vs T. Zidansek (SLO); T. Rakotomanga Rajaonah (FRA) vs Qualifier; D. Salkova (CZE) vs K. Quevedo (ESP); G. Maristany Zuleta De Reales (ESP) vs V. Erjavec (SLO)
Foto: Mario Alajbeg