Tournament director Malý announces further Wild Cards as final preparations are underway

This year’s edition of the Livesport Prague Open is fast approaching and with just one week to go, final preparations for the WTA tournament are underway. Tournament director Miroslav Malý gave an update regarding the final details of the tournament directly from the centre court of the Sparta Prague Tennis Club. 

The traditional tournament in the Czech capital has been taking place since 2010 and, similarly to last season, will again be held on a hard court. The choice of concrete courts was made to help participants with the transition from clay and grass courts to hard courts ahead of the season’s move overseas.

As in all previous editions, this year’s tournament will not only offer plenty of domestic players from Czechia, but also the best players from across the globe.

“Bartůňková, Kolodziejová, Šalková and Palicová were awarded qualification Wild Cards, whilst Nosková and Havlíčková were awarded Wild Cards straight into the main competition. This means that at least seven Czech players will feature in the main draw,” said tournament director Miroslav Malý.

During his press conference he also specified how many spectators will be allowed into the stands, saying: “Preparations have been underway for over a month now, the total capacity is about 2,200 spectators. After two cancelled editions due to covid-19, we are looking forward to seeing the stands packed with fans once again,” said Malý, adding that “the Tatran arena, which is just across the street, will have a stand capacity of 500 spectators.”

Malý also gave information to visitors who were interested in how to get to the grounds: “We have arranged a special shuttle service for the tournament from the metro station Nádraží Holešovice.”

“Qualification is already this weekend and the main tournament starts Monday. Tickets are going fast, but they are still available,” said Malý.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Marie Bouzková, one of the biggest stars of the tournament, also spoke at the press conference. “I am really excited,” she said, “the tournament here in Prague is always well-organised and the strong and talented line-up of world-class players is really exciting for all the Czech players,” she added.

Anett Kontaveit, current World No. 2, will be the highest seeded player of the tournament, followed by last year's winner Barbora Krejčíková. Belinda Bencic, Petra Kvitová, Elise Mertens and Ekaterina Alexandrova are all confirmed for the main draw.

Czech players Tereza Martincová, Marie Bouzková and Karolína Muchová will also feature in the Livesport Prague Open as will the winners of the last two Junior French Opens – Lucie Havlíčková and Linda Nosková.

The 13th edition of the traditional tournament in the Czech capital starts Monday, July 25.

Photo: LIVESPORT PRAGUE OPEN / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

Author: eSports

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