Transylvania Open WTA 250 received the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown. The ceremony took place at the Royal Castle in Săvârșin and was accompanied by by a special event on the tennis court built in 1945.
By granting High Patronage to the Transylvania Open WTA250 tournament, the Royal House of Romania expresses its unconditional support for white sport and, implicitly, for the values it promotes: fair play, tenacity, honour and respect. The Royal Family supports the development of tennis in Romania and encourages athletes to persevere in achieving excellence in this sport. The Transylvania Open tennis tournament is an exceptional opportunity for the Romanian and international tennis community to come together around an event that brings honour to the country.
Starting with the 2023 edition, which will take place from 16-22 October, the Royal Family of Romania will be represented at the Transylvania Open and will be present at the tournament together with players, officials and tennis lovers.
The ceremony conferring the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta was followed by a symbolic exchange of balls on the Tennis Court in the Royal Park between former tennis great Horia Tecău and Transylvania Open Director Patrick Ciorcilă. They were joined for a short game of balls by Horea Ciorcilă, President of Banca Transilvania and Bogdan Nițescu, Patrick Ciorcilă’s former coach. It was the first match played on the Săvârșin tennis court after 1945, when it was used by His Majesty King Michael. In honour of the event and in memory of the King, a tennis enthusiast and practitioner of this sport, the playing surface was reconditioned by the Transylvania Open logistics team in July this year, using no less than 27 tons of clay.
The tennis court at Săvârșin has a special historical significance, being built in 1945 and mentioned by King Michael on numerous occasions during his reminiscences about life at the castle. Today, it retains its authenticity and simplicity, as it was originally designed, representing a testimony to the close link between sport and history.
Her Majesty Margareta and His Royal Highness Prince Radu were special guests at the second edition of the Transylvania Open in 2022, and their discreet presence on the tennis court set up in the BT Arena multi-purpose hall added a distinctive touch to the event.
For the next edition, several top players from Romania have confirmed their participation.
