(Photo: Grad Osijek)
The Croatian city of Osijek has officially entered the record books as the only city in the world to feature four public tennis courts, each built on a different Grand Slam surface.
The milestone was celebrated on Monday with the opening of the fourth court in the Retfala district.
The event drew large crowds of residents, children and tennis fans, and was further elevated by the presence of tennis legends including Mary Pierce, Martina Hingis, Marion Bartoli, Iva Majoli and Donna Vekić.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Guests enjoyed exhibition matches on the new court, while the stands were packed with spectators eager to witness the unique event.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
The atmosphere was festive and energetic, highlighting Osijek’s growing reputation as a city dedicated to sport.
“We are proud to be here in Retfala, opening the fourth free public tennis court in Osijek. This puts our city on the global map of sport and tennis as the only city in the world with such a facility,” said Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić during the ceremony.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
“This project would not have been possible without the Vekić family and their deep love for Osijek, and we thank them for initiating it alongside the City and Osijek-Baranja County.”
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
The mayor emphasised that the goal of the initiative is to promote sport and tennis among young people, adding, “What matters most is that the courts are full, that children grow up playing outdoors and engaging in physical activity.”
Earlier in the day, Mayor Radić and Donna Vekić visited the Ivan Štark Centre for Education and Care, where they viewed the new sensory park built with funds donated by Vekić from her Olympic medal win.
“We are grateful to Donna and her family for their initiative. The City has supported this for the past four years, financially, infrastructurally and logistically,” the mayor added.
Iva Majoli, Roland Garros champion and long-time friend of Donna Vekić, called the event a “phenomenal spectacle”.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
“Osijek is the only city in Croatia, and the world, with four Grand Slam surfaces available to the public. The organisation was top level, and the full stands say it all,” she said.
Martina Hingis, former world number one, visited Osijek for the first time and was visibly impressed.
“When Donna and Iva told me about the project, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Four different Grand Slam surfaces, available to children and the community, is an incredible achievement. I enjoyed every moment on court,” Hingis said.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli praised the effort and quality involved.
“The organisation was outstanding, even better than at some WTA events. The court quality, the energy of the crowd, and the commitment from the City, the County and the Vekić family all show the value placed on sport here. I am honoured to be involved,” she said.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Mary Pierce, multiple Grand Slam champion, was equally full of praise.
“This is a fantastic initiative created by Donna and her family. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. I am thrilled to be back in Osijek to support such a meaningful project,” said Pierce.
The four courts now offer the same surfaces used at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, and are open to the public free of charge.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)