10.04.2007 | Most traditional Czech tennis tournament the Czech Open, this year called the Unicredit Czech Open, is taking place from 3rd to 9th June and is donated 150 000 USD+H. This time only men will participate in the notable event which is held in town of Prostejov located in Hana region. Why a new name? Yes, of course, there’s a prestigious Italian bank involved in the tournament now, however, the substance remains the same – in the symbolic background Zivnostenska banka plays the key role again. On the basis of mutual agreement that was signed in 2002 and after receiving all necessary approbations the UniCredito Italiano S.p.A. bank had finished the process of acquisition of Zivnostenska banka a.s. from Bankgesellschaft Berlin AG, thus having entered the Czech bank market. However, the relationship between Zivnostenska banka a.s. and TK PLUS has remained friendly. Zivnostenska banka a.s. had first presented as sponsor within the Czech sport in 1995. Three years later this prestigious banking house became a titular partner of the tournament and this year it is celebrating the decennial of tennis-connected-activities in the Czech Republic.
„Zivnostenska banka is a keen supporter of the tournament organizer’s philosophy - to focus on the Czech top players and on the talented and promising young players from abroad and to set themselves economically realistic goals,“ repeatedly stated the head of the institution Ing. Jiri Kunert. „From the very beginning Zivnostenska banka has had a very generous and patient attitude to the tournament. We didn’t yield to megalomaniac visions but headed for fulfilling the tournament‘s philosophy together and the philosophy was predominantly oriented on future,“ adds the managing director of TK PLUS dr. Miroslav Cernosek. „We firmly believe the successful cooperation will go on and on, as there is no other men’s tournament in the Czech Republic with such a great tradition.“
The director of all prestigious events held in Prostejov, Petra Pichalova-Langrova is convinced that even this year the Czech Open will be the best tennis tournament in our country, and it is necessary to note here that the final list of players depends on the results of the first week of Grand slam Paris. Those who will have stumbled on the red clay of Roland Garros’ courts will have a chance to restore their self-confidence through success in the Czech Open.
The Prostejov tournament winners:
1994 K. Kucera (Slovakia)
1995 A. Gaudenzi (Italy)
1996 A. Cesnokov (Russia)
1997 B. Ulihrach (CR)
1998 R. Fromberg (Australia)
1999 R. Fromberg (Australia)
2000 A. Vinciguera (Sweden)
2001 B. Ulihrach (CR)
2002 G. Coria (Argentina)
2003 R. Stepanek (CR)
2004 R. Stepanek (CR)
2005 J. Nieminen (Finland)
2006 J. Hajek (CR)
