The ceremony took place at Săvârșin Royal Castle and was accompanied by a special event on the tennis court built in 1945.
Transylvania Open, designated in 2022 as the best tournament in the world in the WTA 250 category, has been honored to be under the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown. The prestigious status conferment ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 9th, at Săvârșin Royal Castle, in the presence of Her Majesty Margareta, His Royal Highness Prince Consort Radu, the Transylvania Open team, alongside special guests and representatives of the press.
By granting the High Patronage to the Transylvania Open WTA 250 tournament, the Romanian Royal House expresses its unconditional support for white sport and, implicitly, for the values it promotes: fair play, tenacity, honor, 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 represents an exceptional opportunity for the Romanian and international tennis community to come together around an event that honors the country.
Starting with the 2023 edition, which will take place from October 16th to 22nd, the Romanian Royal Family will be represented at the Transylvania Open and will be present at the tournament alongside players, officials, and tennis enthusiasts.
“It is a great honor for us to receive the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown. Transylvania Open is a tennis tournament that, after only two editions, received international recognition, being designated last year as the best tournament in the world in the WTA 250 category. The distinction offered by Her Majesty Margareta marks an important stage in the development of this sports event and gives it a special prestige and value that motivates us to continue on this path and transform the tournament into a sports event with traditional and international prestige. With the support of the Romanian Royal House, the Transylvania Open continues to grow and consolidate as one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, bringing Romanians the joy and excitement of sports at the highest level” said Patrick Ciorcilă, the director of the Transylvania Open tennis tournament.
The conferring ceremony of the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta was followed by a symbolic ball exchange on the Tennis Court in the Royal Park between former great tennis player Horia Tecău and Transylvania Open director Patrick Ciorcilă. They were joined, for a short ball game, by Horia Ciorcilă, the President of Banca Transilvania, and Bogdan Nițescu, the former coach of Patrick Ciorcilă.
It was the first match played on the Săvârșin tennis court since 1947 when it was used by His Majesty King Michael. In honor of the event and in memory of the King, who was passionate about tennis and a practitioner of the sport, the playing surface was renovated by the Transylvania Open logistics team in July of this year, using no less than 27 tons of clay.
The Săvârșin tennis court holds a special historical significance, being built in 1945 and mentioned by King Michael in numerous instances, reminiscing about life at the castle. Today, it retains its authenticity and simplicity, as originally conceived, representing a testimony to the close connection between sports and history.
Her Majesty Margareta and His Royal Highness Prince Radu were special guests at the second edition of the 2022 Transylvania Open, and their discreet presence on the tennis court set up in the BT Arena added a distinct note to the event.
For the next edition, several top Romanian players have confirmed their participation in the Transylvania Open, including Sorana Cîrstea, ranked 32nd in the world, who will play in the Cluj tournament for the first time. Ana Bogdan (WTA rank 39) and Jaqueline Cristian (WTA rank 121), participants in both previous editions, have also announced their participation.
The third edition of the Transylvania Open will take place from October 16th to 22nd, 2023, and will offer the audience high-caliber matches that will be played indoors, on hard surfaces, in the BT Arena, and on two playing fields. The tournament will begin with two days of qualifiers on October 14th and will feature 16 players in qualifiers, 32 singles players, and 16 doubles teams in the competition. A total of 280 WTA points and prizes worth $259,000 will be at stake.
